Background

The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) is an annual event organised by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, with international partners. The forum brings together leaders from business, government, academia and civil society to explore global issues related to the circular economy and to find solutions to the challenges facing the world.

WCEF is the world’s leading annual event on the circular economy, and it provides a platform for sharing knowledge and expertise, building networks and partnerships, and advancing the transition to a circular economy. The forum, held since 2017, has so far been hosted in Africa (Rwanda), Asia (Japan), Europe (Belgium, Finland and The Netherlands), North America (Canada) and Latin America and the Caribbean (Brazil).

Read more about WCEF and the forum’s previous editions.

WCEF is an initiative of Finland and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra. The forum examines how businesses can gain a competitive advantage through a circular economy and how the circular economy contributes to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

WCEF2026 – Circular economy transition for people and prosperity

WCEF lands in India in September 2026, with online participation open to everyone.
In its 10th edition, the World Circular Economy Forum will take place in Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat, India, from 15 to 18 September. The plenaries, parallel sessions and expo will be held at the Mahatma Mandir convention centre in the hometown of the great Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi.

This year, for the first time, we’ll bring the productive sector into the spotlight. You’ll have the opportunity to extensively explore what the sector has been successfully developing in terms of business, solutions and strategies in this vital transition to a circular economy.

The forum will also address key topics relevant to India and the entire world, bringing together leading global experts to debate and promote cross-border collaboration.

WCEF2026 will be organised jointly by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) which operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change of India, together with global and local partners.