Article
As part of the World Circular Economy Forum, WCEF Side Events will be organised throughout 2025. This list of events will be updated monthly.
Specialist, Sitra International Programmes
Published
30.9.2024
Related projects
The World Circular Economy Forum WCEF
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. We process the applications twice a month. Please note it may take up to 3 weeks for us 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.
You can find the upcoming WCEF side events here.
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
In celebration of World Environment Day, FIESP and CNI want to recognise inspiring industrial solutions for more circular and low-carbon production. Outstanding cases from the 2024 Call for Circular Economy Practices the organisers will be honoured, including initiatives in circular design, industrial symbiosis, energy efficiency and resource use, among others. The event language is Portuguese.
Organiser: Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (FIESP) and The Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI)
Time: 22:00-00:30 UTC+3
Transforming business parks is crucial for resilient cities. Join us to discuss how circular economy principles can upgrade existing parks. We’ll explore spatial strategies, identify synergies and formulate practical requirements. Participate to gain insights, recognise spatial qualities and network with experts! The event language is German.
Time: 15:00-18:00 UTC+3
The event hosts the launching of a road map for the transition towards a circular tourism system in the Balearic Islands 2025-2035. The meeting promotes the participation of regional stakeholders with international experts in the circular economy and promotes an action-oriented approach to accelerate the transition and its real impact.
Organiser: Impulsa Baleares
Time: 10:30-14:30 UTC+3
This webinar provides an overview of complex EU circular regulations like the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and explores how SMEs can use them to gain a competitive advantage. Join our panel discussion and discover how optics, phonics and materials (OPM) tech and the Digital Product Passport (DPP) offer solutions for sustainable growth and regulatory readiness.
Be part of the crowd and build collective intelligence on how we can successfully adopt reusable packaging solutions in different parts of the world. Two real-life case studies from Indonesia and the Netherlands will be examined. What can you share from your experience?
Organiser: Straight Circles
Time: 15:00-17:00 UTC+3
This event aims to position the Nordic countries and Brazil as key global players in circular innovation and solutions. It will serve as an opportunity to promote high-level dialogue and technical exchange in the lead-up to COP30. The event will gather key stakeholders to explore concrete partnerships in three strategic areas: green fuels, waste management and circular mining. The event language is Portuguese.
Organiser: Nordic Embassies and Consulates in Brazil, Nordic Trade Promotion Agencies and the Federation
Time: 20:00-00:00 UTC+3
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)
This event for the construction industry will cover topics ranging from challenges and opportunities in the use of sustainable sand and high-performance mortars to the application of nanotechnology as a transformative vector for developing more efficient materials with lower environmental impact. The event language is Portuguese.
Organiser: Agera
Time: 21:00-00:30 UTC+3
Join us to create new partnerships and foster circular economy collaboration between Southeast Asian and European businesses and other key stakeholders. You will understand more about the value created by the circular economy beyond recycling. Also, you have the possibility to learn about funding opportunities, best practices and tools to support the uptake of circular economy business models.
Organiser: Embassy of Finland in Malaysia, Business Finland, the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and the EU Circular Economy Resource Centre
Time: 10:00-13:00 UTC+3
At this event private and public stakeholders will discuss rules and legislation andengage with practitioners and technology solution providers. Participants will benefit from both expert insights and real-life experiences, including good practices and success stories. With participants ranging from manufacturing companies to policymakers, academics, NGOs and international organisations — the event will foster networking opportunities and strengthen cooperation to accelerate the circular transition. The event language is Turkish.
Organiser: Istanbul Chamber of Industry
Finlandia Circular connects Finland’s leadership in circular economy with Panama through high-level panels, business pitches and networking to foster partnerships, sustainable investment and international cooperation. The event languages are Spanish and English.
Organiser: Ministry for Foreign Affairs Finland, Embassy of Finland in Bogota, Sitra and Business Finland
Time: 15:30-20:00 UTC+2
This event brings together the latest news from the circular economy industry in Salo! You will hear how circular economy experts are solving future challenges and creating new innovative and resource-wise businesses. The event language is Finnish.
Organiser: Yrityssalo Ltd
Time: 8:30-16:00 UTC+2
Join us for an engaging side event at the UN climate negotiations in Belém, Brazil, where we spotlight the real-world impact of the circular economy on business and climate action. This session will feature concrete stories from leading international companies that have successfully implemented profitable circular economy business models.
Organiser: Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund
Time: 20:00–20:45 UTC+2
As the world faces escalating climate crises, the urgency for transformative solutions has never been greater. In this context, the circular economy emerges as a powerful tool—not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also to enhance economic resilience and competitiveness. This invitation-only breakfast in Belem during COP30 will gather business leaders, policymakers and experts to exchange insights on circular economy solutions.
Organiser: Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund; Business Finland; Ministry for Foreign Affairs Finland and Brazil’s National Industry Confederation (CNI)
Time: 13:00–14:30 UTC+2
We’re excited to launch two practical and complementary guides to solve bottlenecks in value chain innovation and information sharing, developed by the Onto-DESIDE project! Guide 1: Value Chain Design, Development & Innovation shows how to map and analyse flows using the Multi-Flow Method. Guide 2: Decentralised Sharing of Data & Information helps organisations build secure infrastructures. Together, these guides offer a comprehensive toolkit for planning, automating and scaling circular value networks.
Organiser: Linköping University, Hamburg University and IMEC
Nordic Circular Summit 2025, in Nuuk, Greenland and online, is a gathering of the circular community in the Nordics looking to accelerate the circular transition. This year’s topic: From Remote Realities to Global Blueprints – how Arctic and Nordic communities can shape the next wave of circular innovation.
Organiser: Nordic Circular Hotspot & Nordic Innovation
CII’s second edition of the CII Circular Economy Conference has the theme Vision to Action. This annual conference aims to seed circular economy into Indian businesses by creating a platform focusing on cross-cutting and core aspects such as product design, innovation, closing loops and new business models. These businesses will champion and begin the transition to a true circular economy.
Organiser: Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
Time: 06:30 – 13:30 UTC+2
Finlandia Circular Bogotá is a high-level gathering connecting Finnish innovation with Latin America’s sustainability leaders, showcasing solutions in the circular economy, clean tech and smart cities to accelerate green growth through partnerships and action. The event languages are Spanish and English.
Time: 15:00 – 20:00 UTC+2
Join policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers and industry leaders from Saudi Arabia, the Baltics and the Nordics as we explore how circular economy solutions are reshaping industries, sustainability and the future of growth.
Organisers: Miltton Events
Finlandia Circular Lima is a high-level gathering connecting Finnish innovation with Latin America’s sustainability leaders, showcasing solutions in the circular economy, clean tech and smart cities to accelerate green growth through partnerships and action. The event languages are Spanish and English.
Time: 15:30 – 20:00 UTC+2
Our platform uses a global network to deliver sustainable, innovative solutions for the fashion and textile industry. Sustainability Talks Istanbul, trusted for six years, together with Team Finland as our country partner, unites international regulations and innovations under one roof, offering a unique networking opportunity. The event languages are Turkish and English.
Organiser: Orbit Consulting and Kipas Textiles
Time: 8:00-17:00 UTC+2
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.