WCEF2026 summary report

The tenth annual WCEF proved that circularity boosts the economy, improves national resilience, secures critical materials and is more fair to workers and consumers alike. In addition, it is also good for the planet.

The World Circular Economy Forum 2026 (WCEF2026) took place in Gandhinagar, India from 15-18 September. During opening ceremonies Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendrabhai Patel emphasised that the culture of reuse and conversion of waste into wealth had long been an Indian tradition. This made India the perfect spot for this year’s edition of the world’s leading circular economy forum.

The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) is an annual event organised by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra with international partners. First held in 2017, 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.

WCEF2026 was jointly organised by the Central Pollution Control Board of India (CPCB), Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, governments of India, Finland and Gujarat, and the Gujarat Pollution Control Board, in collaboration with local and international partners.

The forum was attended by 3,614 people from 63 countries and gathered more than 19,800 views online. Thousands more participated in partner-led accelerator sessions, studios and official side events. There were 161 speakers at the forum, 135 exhibitors at the expo, 75 accelerator sessions and 5 studios held around the globe.

WCEF2027 will take place in New York City from 8–11 June 2027. Sandra Goldmark from Columbia Climate School symbolically accepted the role as the co-host for next year.