WCEF Side Events present circular economy solutions from around the globe. They address specific topics related to the circular economy and the role circularity plays in the economies of the future, as well as in the fight against climate change and the nature crisis.

Side events can take place any time during 2025, excluding during the programme of the annual forum WCEF2025 (13-16 May). If you are interested in organising a side event, please submit your application by filling in the application form and sending it to contactus.wcef@sitra.fi. Note that it takes a few days to process and upload the events on this list.

The organisers are responsible for all practicalities, expenses and inquiries related to organising and participating in the side events. Side events may be organised either virtually or locally.

Upcoming events

Tuesday 20 May

The “C” word – Shortcuts to circularity

The panel will feature a diverse group of designers, builders, suppliers, creatives and policymakers, each sharing insights into how they embed circularity into their work. By the end of the discussion, every attendee will leave with actionable steps to help build a sustainable future. 

Organisers: Breathe Architecture 

Time: 10:30-12:30 UTC+3

Wednesday 21 May

Launch of the Western Balkans Circular Economy Hub

Join us to explore the newly established Western Balkans Circular Economy Hub, its strategic focus, vision and planned activities. Hear from Elin Bergman, co-founder of Nordic Circular Hotspot, as well as from successful circular companies from the Western Balkan region. 

Organisers: IECE & RECONOMY Program 

Time: 12:30-14:00 UTC+3

Wednesday 21 May

Fostering repair and reuse for sustainable circular urban development

This webinar explores how repair and reuse supports the circular economy and sustainable urban development, featuring local and global initiatives, regulatory challenges and recent European legislation aimed at reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency. 

Organiser: Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) 

Time: 16:00-16:45 UTC+3

Thursday 22 May

Collaborative circular innovation: Engaging users in co-design

How can we ensure circular business models truly meet user needs? Join either an online seminar or an in-person workshop (in Stockholm) to explore creative co-design methods that bridge circular ambitions with real-world adoption. 

Organisers: RISE Research Institutes of Sweden 

Time: 11:00-17:00 UTC+3

Thursday 22 May

Circular Zambia 2025

The Circular Zambia conference spotlights circular opportunities within Zambia and Africa, with a focus on key sectors: mining, energy and manufacturing. This side event will serve as a platform for strategic conversations, partnerships and showcasing Zambia’s contributions to the global circular economy transition. It’s an opportunity to engage new and existing actors in the circular economy. 

Organisers: ZamCEN, Tandem Circular Consulting and ACEN 

Time: 10:00-20:00 UTC+3

Friday 23 May

Can forest harvesting be reduced without shifting the pressure elsewhere?

Reduced logging in Finland might simply lead to increased forest use elsewhere, potentially in regions with weaker environmental safeguards and more biodiverse forests. In this webinar, we examine recent research findings on the topic. We also consider what kinds of economic and ecological trade-offs forest policy must navigate in a situation where no option is entirely without drawbacks. 

Organiser: ForTran—Forests in Systemic Transition 

Time: 15:00-16:30 UTC+3

Saturday 24 May

Roundtable: Exploring circular economy for a regenerative future

The event brings together professors from the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) – Resende, RJ regional campus and the Professional Master’s Program in Design, Technology and Innovation from the Teresa D’Ávila University Center (PPG-DTI Unifatea), to discuss circular economy practices that result from the experiences and outcomes of research projects. The event language is Portuguese. 

Organisers: PPG-DTI UNIFATEA and UERJ CIRCULAR 

Time: 17:00-19:00 UTC+3

Monday 26 May

Circular Economy Collage workshop

The Circular Economy Collage is a collaborative 3-hour workshop that looks at the issues of our existing linear economic model and invites you to explore a circular model and its opportunities, using fewer resources, designing out waste and respecting the limits of our planet. 

Organiser: Fresque de l’Economie Circulaire 

Time: 14:00-17:00 UTC+3

Friday 30 May

Circular economy, big investment: Financing the circular transition in Africa

This webinar will explore circular economy financing in Africa, covering funding mechanisms and investment opportunities to transition from a linear to a circular economy. Experts will discuss the importance of financing, strategies and the roles of investors, governments and institutions to accelerate this transition. 

Organiser: Circularize for Change (C4C) 

Time: 18:00-19:00 UTC+3

Wednesday 4 June

Circular spaces: Transforming urban areas through circular innovation

Cities are at the frontline of the resource and climate crisis, and urban spaces must be reimagined if we are to build a truly circular economy. Berlin, with its vibrant ecosystem of innovation spaces, construction projects and industrial sites, has a critical role to play. At the same time, much can be learned from other cities already integrating circular practices into their urban fabric — offering valuable inspiration for Berlin and beyond. 

Organiser: Circular Berlin 

Time: 14:00-15:30 UTC+3

Tuesday 7 to Thursday 9 October

Arctic Circular Economy Summit (ACES) 2025

ACES connects youth and experts from the Arctic and other remote areas to learn from inspiring circular cases, grow networks and create collaborations. It covers business-focused topics such as seafood, tourism, construction, energy and funding.

Organisers: Sør-Varanger Utvikling AS | ICE Kirkenes 

Time: see separate programme on event website (tbc) 

Past events

Thursday 13 February

Sustainable learning: Circular economy in education 

This event aims to deepen the understanding of the circular economy in environmental education, aligning with the national circular economy and environmental education strategies (ENEC and ENEA). It will focus on integrating the SDGs, promoting pedagogical actions and innovative practices for sustainable education. The event language is Portuguese. 

Organiser: Firjan SESI – Casa Firjan 

Time: 19:00-20:30 UTC+3 

Wednesday 12 March

Book launch: “Circular strategies for success” 

Join us to celebrate the book launch “Circular Strategies for Success” by Anne Raudaskoski, co-founder and head of circular design at Ethica! The panel discussion with renowned circular experts will focus on what is needed to transform your R&D process from linear to circular. You can join in person or online. 

Organiser: Ethica 

Time: 18:30-19:30 UTC+2 

Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 April 

Basque Circular Summit 2025 

The Basque Circular Summit, the largest circular economy event in Southern Europe, will bring together professionals and specialists from the industrial and environmental fields. Join them to analyse the implications that the transition to a circular model is having on the European Union. The event languages are Spanish and Basque. 

Organiser: Ihobe 

Time: see separate programme on event website 

Wednesday 9 to Thursday 10 April 

ABRE Congress on Packaging and Consumption 

The event will explore sustainability in the packaging industry and the consumption chain around the world, as well as the key drivers for advancing this agenda. It will examine the pathways to reduce food waste and the resulting positive impacts. The event language is Portuguese with simultaneous translation into English and Spanish. 

Organiser: ABRE – Brazilian Packaging Association 

Time: 14.00-00:00 UTC+3 

Thursday 10 April

Nordic Circularity Piloting Program: Collaboration and partnerships for circularity

Nordic Circularity Piloting Program’s session focuses on collaboration and partnerships needed to enable the circularity of technical installations. Participants will explore how partnerships across the value chain can help overcome barriers like dismantling, reverse logistics and product recovery. 

Organiser: Combient Pure 

Time: 11:00-17:00 UTC+3 (online 11:00-13:45)

Wednesday 16 April

How a circular blue economy can mitigate climate change, marine litter and plastic pollution in Africa

This webinar will provide practical guidance, expert insights and real-world case studies to help governments, businesses and civil society build a circular blue economy. Participants will also learn how to leverage Sustainable Seas Trust’s (SST’s) Plastic-Free Seas Guidebook and its action plan templates to drive impactful change. 

Organisers: SST, Petco, African Circular Economy Network, and International Water Management Institute 

Time: 15:00-16:30 UTC+3 

Wednesday 23 to Thursday 24 April

FRUSH goes to ecosystems

FRUSH is an event focusing on the ESG requirements of the circular economy, dealing with the practical requirements of supply chains and legislation. The event offers information about the needs of the business world and the opportunity to create contacts. Culminating in a startup competition, the programme includes expert speeches and panel discussions as well as a possibility for companies and communities to present their activities and services. The Grow and Internationalise event is organised as part of FRUSH, in cooperation with Team Finland Häme. The event language is Finnish.

Organiser: Forssan Yrityskehitys Oy

Time: 8:30-16:00 UTC+3

Thursday 24 April

Circular economy and climate change within the context of a just transition

This event will create a space for sharing and discussing the ongoing projects and initiatives that work in the interface of circular economy, climate change, women’s empowerment and inclusivity. The event language is Portuguese with English interpretation available.

Organisers: WIEGO and FBMC 

Time: 16:00-17:30 UTC+3 

Tuesday 29 April

Final event of Project Digipurku

The final event of Project Digipurku (Digital solutions for the demolition of buildings) presents the results of the project’s trials and the solutions developed within the project. These include BIM models of decommissioned buildings, and solutions related to low carbon emission and the implementation of a circular economy. The event language is Finnish. 

Organiser: Green Net Finland ry 

Time: 9:30-12:00 UTC+3 

Tuesday 6 May

Circular business design & LCA

We will explore how circular business design and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) go beyond compliance to drive competitiveness, and how to integrate LCA and circular strategies into processes through data-driven decision-making. 

Organiser: Environmental Impacts Academy 

Time: 15:00-16:00 UTC+3

Thursday 8 May

Climate Fresk workshop

Climate Fresk is a scientific, cooperative and engaging way to raise awareness about climate change. This workshop is based on the IPCC reports breaking down the most important information about climate change. In just three hours, the workshop will help you understand the fundamental science behind it and empower you to take action. 

Organiser: Climate Fresk Finland community 

Time: 14:00-17:00 UTC+3 

Thursday 8 May

Brewing a better future: Circular solutions for coffee waste

ACEN, together with partners, is organising this side event to explore how circular economy principles can transform the coffee industry by reducing waste, creating new revenue streams and addressing socio-economic and environmental challenges, with insights from ACEN, Nzatu, the Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC) and Rwandan SMEs. 

Organiser: African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) 

Time: 15:00-16:30 UTC +3

Monday 12 May

Embedding the bioeconomy into multi-sector circular economy road maps 

Compared to technical material sectors, organic materials often lack comprehensive strategies for circular value creation. Based on empirical cases from grantees of the UK-UNCTAD SMEP programme, this session demonstrates how organic residues can be transformed into high-value products, highlighting enabling policies and South-South cooperation.  

Organisers: UNCTAD and Chatham House 

Time: 20:00-23:00 UTC+3 

Monday 12 May

Circularity and innovation: The future of recycled content in plastic products

During the WCEF week, this side event will give you a comprehensive overview of plastic circularity and recycled content in national and global contexts. We will be covering regulatory frameworks, the Global Plastics Treaty and key legislation, as well as ESG-driven corporate goals and market expectations. The event will be held in São Paulo in Portuguese. 

Organisers: Brazilian Association of Plastic Industry (ABIPLAST) and Brazilian Agency of Industrial Development (ABDI) 

Time: 21:00-00:00 UTC-3

Monday 12 May

Roundtable: Can the circular economy help ensure forest for all, forever?

FSC are committed to protecting healthy, resilient forests for all, forever. We observe an increased demand and pressure on forests and this roundtable will address how to explore new solutions ensuring the best use and continuous circulation of forest-based fibers. 

Organiser: Forest Stewardship Council – Circularity Hub 

Time: 20:00-23:00 UTC+3

Thursday 15 May

Towards an International Materials Agency: global coordination in turbulent times

Decision-makers need consolidated and high-quality data on material flows and their impacts in order to accelerate the shift to a circular economy. Is an International Materials Agency the best answer? What solutions should it provide, and how can it work in a challenging global environment? 

Organisers: International Chamber of Commerce, Systemiq, International Resource Panel Co-Chairs, Chatham House 

Time: 21:00-22:30 UTC+3

Thursday 15* May

Nordic night

Nordic night in São Paulo gathers Nordic and Brazilian business interests around circular economy aspects in connection with the WCEF2025. 

Organisers: Nordic Innovation, Nordic representations to Brazil, Nordic Circular Hotspot and Exchange4Change 

Time: 00:30-4:00 UTC+3*

*The event will take place in São Paulo on 14 May 18:30-22:00 UTC-3.

About

WCEF Side Events are part of the World Circular Economy Forum concept. The organisers of these events have an opportunity to present their circular economy solutions and engage international and local audiences. They also get to highlight their work in supporting the development of a circular economy.

All WCEF Side Events are independent events organised by one or more hosts. The hosts of each side event are responsible for all practicalities and expenses related to organising the event, including the virtual event platform and tools, possible venue, programme, invitations, registration, marketing and communications. Sitra will not be responsible for any practical arrangements or costs.

As the initiator of the WCEF concept, Sitra will promote the side events in WCEF newsletters and on social media, based on the information submitted by the side event host in the application form.

If you are interested in organising a WCEF Side Event, please submit your application to contactus.wcef@sitra.fi using the application form. New side events will be added to this list monthly.