India to Host World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026

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Key takeaways

India will host the 10th edition of the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 at Gandhinagar in Gujarat from September 15 to 18, 2026.
First established in 2017 by Finland's Sitra, this global event is being hosted in South Asia for the very first time.
The summit features an international expo with over 125 exhibitors and 80 accelerator sessions highlighting recycling and bio-economy technologies.
The conference showcases India's sustainability progress under Mission LiFE and its role as Co-Chair of the UN 10YFP Board.

India will host the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from September 15 to 18, 2026.

This forum serves as the premier global platform dedicated to transitioning from a linear model to a sustainable circular economy.
The city of Gandhinagar, Gujarat will serve as the official host location for the 2026 summit.
The official theme for the 2026 forum is Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity.

The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra created this forum in 2017 to mark Finland's independence centenary and drive circular business solutions.
The 2026 event marks the 10th edition of WCEF and its first time being hosted in the South Asian region.

The forum aims to speed up market transformation, build strong partnerships with the Global South, mobilize private capital, and support economic growth within environmental boundaries.

It connects startups with venture capital and creates green funding pathways to scale up viable circular technology models.
It explores modern tools like artificial intelligence (AI), IoT, and digital product passports to track material movement and manage product lifecycles.
It brings government leaders, researchers, and industry experts together to align policies, build common standards, and enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandates.
It organizes an international trade expo featuring over 125 exhibitors and 80 accelerator sessions to showcase market-ready recycling technologies.
It aligns international climate action goals by hosting high-level events, including the UN 10YFP Board meeting on the sidelines.

It shifts circular economy discussions away from wealthy nations to highlight resource needs and informal waste sectors in developing countries.
It showcases India's domestic sustainability efforts under Mission LiFE, strong EPR regulations, and leadership as Co-Chair of the 10YFP Board.