The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, officially launched the 10th edition of the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 on September 15, 2026, at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time the forum is being held in South Asia. The inauguration was attended by prominent figures including Union Minister for Environment Bhupender Yadav and other notable ministers from the Gujarat state government.

According to information provided by the Chief Minister’s Office, over 2,000 participants, including stakeholders, scientists, and entrepreneurs from 66 countries, are engaged in discussions throughout the four-day event, which will conclude on September 18, 2026. The forum prioritises efforts to reduce global emissions, promote circular business models, and drive sustainable economic growth.

Additionally, the forum aims to enhance the sharing of environmentally friendly policies and technologies specially among South Asian nations. At the event, the Chief Minister along with the Union Minister inaugurated the ‘Circularity Expo’, featuring over 125 stalls that highlight innovative green technologies and waste management solutions.

Gujarat Showcases Best Practices

During his address, CM Patel expressed that the event signifies a global exchange of ideas beginning from Gujarat, intending to influence economic direction while securing a better future for subsequent generations. He further articulated that this year’s forum not only underlines India’s increasing global leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi but also gives Gujarat a platform to showcase its environmental initiatives.

Citing the Somnath Temple as a case study, the Chief Minister highlighted how the temple’s Trust has implemented several innovative practices under Modi’s guidance, converting offerings from devotees into useful resources rather than waste. The processes in place include scientific purification of sacred water and transforming organic waste into fertilisers.

CM Patel stated that the principles of the circular economy have roots in India’s ancient traditions of reuse and recycling. He mentioned initiatives that align with this philosophy and contribute to rural economic growth.

Government’s Commitment and Future Aspirations

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav bolstered the discussion by reiterating the importance of the circular economy as a pathway for resilience and sustainable development amid global challenges. He noted that effective approaches require a comprehensive view that spans the entire lifecycle of resources, from design to recycling.

The Minister emphasised that India has made strides towards integrating resource-efficient practices into national policies to promote a sustainable future, further underlining that the circular economy is integral to Indian cultural practices dating back centuries.

In light of India’s evolving role in the circular economy, Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia projected that by 2050, the circular economy in India could exceed a market value of USD 2 trillion, potentially generating around one crore jobs. He affirmed that the circular economy is crucial not just environmentally, but also as an avenue for economic opportunity.

International Participation and Collaborative Efforts

Marieke Spijkerboer from the Netherlands highlighted the importance of sustainability in the context of climate change and other global tensions. The Netherlands has been actively working on establishing a circular economy framework since 2016, with ambitious targets set for 2050. It encourages dialogue and collaboration among participating nations to accelerate circularity.

Ambassador of Finland, Mikko Kivikoski, underscored the significance of WCEF 2026 in ensuring the concerns of developing nations are integrated into the discussion of circular economies. He stated that the principles of design and resource retention should be central to circularity discussions.

The four-day forum, organised by multiple governmental and international bodies, aims to provide a robust platform for collaboration and innovation, with expectations that it will not merely inspire but stimulate actionable outcomes in the realm of circular economy initiatives globally.

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