Gandhinagar: State capital Gandhinagar will host World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 from Tuesday, marking the first time the global forum is being held in South Asia. More than 2,000 stakeholders from 65-plus countries are expected to attend the event at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre to discuss ways of making economic growth more resource-efficient and sustainable.An official statement said that Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel will inaugurate the two-day forum on Tuesday. The event, being held under the theme “Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity”, will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers and academics.The forum aims to provide a global platform for cross-sector partnerships to facilitate circular finance and drive innovation in circularity. Circular economy principles focus on keeping materials and products in use for longer through reuse, refurbishment and recycling, thereby reducing resource consumption and waste.Four plenary sessions and 16 thematic sessions will be held during Sept 15-16, covering subjects including artificial intelligence, employment potential, energy generation, finance, governance, sustainable products and the startup ecosystem, the state govt said. The event will also feature an international expo with more than 125 national and international exhibitors showcasing circular economy solutions, including practical innovations developed by startups.The forum is being jointly organised by Central Pollution Control Board, Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, govt of Finland, ministry of environment, forest and climate change, Gujarat govt, and Gujarat Pollution Control Board.
