Jaipur Gears Up for International Sustainability Forum
India is set to host the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific from March 3 to 5 in Jaipur, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development and resource efficiency. Organised in collaboration with the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD), the high-profile event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, environmental experts, and innovators to explore strategies for transitioning towards circular societies in the Asia-Pacific region.
Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, announced the event in New Delhi, highlighting its theme, “Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific.” The conference will serve as a critical platform for advancing policies that integrate circular economy principles into mainstream governance, enabling nations to reduce waste, enhance resource efficiency, and drive carbon neutrality. With over 500 delegates from across the region expected to attend, the three-day forum will feature country-specific discussions, high-level plenary sessions, and thematic roundtables designed to foster cross-learning. Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit Jaipur’s key solid and liquid waste management facilities, gaining first-hand insights into India’s sustainability initiatives.
A central highlight of the event will be the ‘India Pavilion,’ an exhibition showcasing India’s achievements in the circular economy and 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) initiatives. The pavilion will feature contributions from various ministries and national missions, reflecting a whole-of-government approach towards sustainability. Additionally, the forum will host an international 3R trade and technology exhibition, offering over 40 Indian and Japanese businesses and start-ups a platform to showcase cutting-edge solutions in waste management and resource efficiency. The conference will culminate in the adoption of the ‘Jaipur Declaration,’ a policy document aimed at accelerating the transition towards a circular economy across Asia-Pacific nations. This declaration will serve as a roadmap for regional cooperation, outlining actionable commitments to sustainable waste management and carbon neutrality. The document will be handed over to the next host country, ensuring continuity in the forum’s objectives.
Since its inception in 2009, the Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum has played a pivotal role in shaping sustainability policies in the Asia-Pacific region. India previously hosted the event in 2018, when Indore was the venue for the 8th edition. The upcoming conference in Jaipur marks India’s continued leadership in promoting sustainable urbanisation and environmental responsibility. With the global economy increasingly shifting towards circular models, India’s hosting of this forum underscores its strategic focus on fostering long-term ecological resilience. As cities worldwide grapple with the challenges ofs waste management and resource depletion, the discussions and collaborations emerging from this event are expected to influence policy frameworks and industry practices across the region.
