Jaipur – India is set to host the 12th Regional 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific at the Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur, from March 3-5, 2025. The forum will focus on the theme “Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific.”
Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal, speaking at the Curtain Raiser event at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, emphasized the importance of this forum in facilitating discussions on sustainable waste management, circular economy models, and carbon neutrality. The event is expected to draw over 500 international and domestic participants, including policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates.
Key Highlights of the Forum:
- Adoption of the ‘Jaipur Declaration’: The forum will conclude with the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration (2025-34), providing a framework for resource-efficient and circular economy policies. This builds upon the Hanoi Declaration (2013-23) and will be handed over to the next host country.
- ‘India Pavilion’: A dedicated space will showcase India’s achievements in the 3R and circular economy domain, featuring exhibitions from key ministries and national missions.
- Compendium Launch: The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) will launch a compendium of over 100 best practices in circular economy.
- Knowledge-sharing and Policy Dialogues: The forum will include sessions such as the ‘Ministers & Ambassadors Roundtable Dialogue,’ ‘Mayors’ Dialogue,’ and ‘Policy Dialogue.’
- International Trade and Technology Exhibition: More than 40 Indian and Japanese businesses and start-ups will present innovative solutions for circularity and sustainability.
- Waste-to-Wealth Initiatives: Showcasing sustainable entrepreneurship efforts by NGOs and self-help groups across India.
- Technical Field Visits: Delegates will have an opportunity to visit solid and liquid waste management facilities and key heritage sites in Jaipur.
Global Collaboration and Participation
The forum is spearheaded by the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, in collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, UN ESCAP, UNCRD, UNDSDG, and UNDESA, with support from the Government of Rajasthan.
Participants from 38 member countries, 15-line ministries of the Government of India, over 60 cities, more than 40 start-ups and businesses, and around 120 speakers will engage in discussions to shape future policies on 3R and circular economy.
Background and Virtual Participation
The Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum, initiated by UNCRD in 2009, provides strategic policy inputs for integrating 3R and circularity into national policies. India last hosted the forum in 2018 in Indore. The previous edition in 2023 was hosted by Cambodia.
The event will be accessible for virtual participation, with online registration available at https://3rcefindia.sbmurban.org/.
The forum is expected to serve as a significant platform for policy discussions, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, accelerating progress towards a circular economy and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
