The 12th Regional 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific, held in Jaipur, India, highlights the growing importance of regional collaboration to address challenges posed by waste management, urbanization, and industrialization. This event serves as a platform for policymakers, researchers, businesses, and international organizations to create sustainable solutions and advance the principles of a circular economy.

 

This Forum, first launched in 2009, aligns with global sustainability goals, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement, and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030). The 2025 Forum builds on past milestones, including the Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013-2023), which outlined voluntary goals for promoting resource efficiency and circularity.

 

The 2025 Forum was inaugurated by key Indian dignitaries, including the Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs and the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, alongside international leaders from the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Maldives, and Japan.Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s commitment to sustainable development through the Pro Planet People (P-3) approach. In line with this vision, the Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs launched the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3), a platform to promote city-level collaboration, knowledge exchange, and partnerships for circular economy initiatives.

 

A significant milestone of the Forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under CITIIS 2.0, a flagship initiative focusing on integrated waste management and climate action. Agreements worth ₹1,800 crores were announced, benefiting 18 cities across 14 states, creating model projects for urban sustainability.

 

Theme and Objectives of the Forum

Theme: Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific

The 2025 Forum aims to:

1. Promote Circular Economy Principles: Encourage sustainable resource use and waste management.

2. Accelerate SDG Achievement: Integrate circular economy strategies to meet global sustainability goals.

3. Advance Climate Resilience: Highlight the role of circular economy practices in reducing carbon emissions.

4. Strengthen Regional Cooperation: Foster collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society to transition from linear economies to resource-efficient societies.

5. Address Challenges: Tackle gaps in policy, financing, technology, and infrastructure for effective circular economy implementation.

6. Adopt the 3R and Circular Economy Declaration (2025-2034): Establish a framework for a zero-waste, low-carbon society in Asia-Pacific.

Key Highlights and Initiatives

Launch of Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3)

C-3 is a multi-national, multi-stakeholder platform that fosters city-to-city partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and collaborations with academia and the private sector to promote circular economy practices.

India Pavilion

A dedicated pavilion showcasing India’s achievements in circular economy initiatives, with exhibitions from ministries, start-ups, and NGOs. Key features include:

• Ministers and Mayors Roundtables

• Launch of over 100 best practices compiled by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA).

• Waste-to-Wealth Initiatives: Highlighting community-driven sustainability projects.

International 3R Trade and Technology Exhibition

This exhibition features over 40 Indian and Japanese businesses and start-ups demonstrating innovative solutions for waste management and circularity.

CITIIS 2.0 Agreements

₹1,800 crores in agreements were announced to advance urban sustainability in 18 cities.

India’s Leadership in Circular Economy and 3R Policies

India has emerged as a global leader in implementing circular economy principles through several flagship initiatives:

1. Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM-U)

• Over 108.62% of household toilet construction targets have been achieved.

• 80.29% of solid waste is now processed successfully.

2. GOBAR-Dhan Scheme

• Promotes waste-to-wealth through biogas and organic waste management.

• Covers 67.8% of Indian districts, with 1,008 biogas plants operational.

3. E-Waste Management Rules (2022)

• Focuses on recycling electronic waste.

• 5,82,769 MT of e-waste was collected and recycled in FY 2024-25.

4. Plastic Waste Management

• India banned single-use plastics on July 1, 2022, and introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies for industries.

Key Themes of Discussion

1. Policy and Governance

• Strengthening frameworks for sustainable resource use.

2. Technological Innovation

• Showcasing advancements in waste-to-energy, recycling, and circular manufacturing.

3. Financing Circular Economy Initiatives

• Exploring sustainable financing models and investment opportunities.

4. Circular Economy and Climate Action

• Examining how circularity can reduce emissions and build climate resilience.

Impact and Way Forward

As a leader in promoting sustainability, India has set benchmarks for integrating 3R principles and circular economy practices into national policies. By hosting the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum, India is reinforcing its commitment to achieving a low-carbon, zero-waste future.

 

The adoption of the 3R and Circular Economy Declaration (2025-2034) at this Forum will serve as a guide for transformative actions, helping countries in the Asia-Pacific region achieve resource efficiency, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.

 

The 12th High-Level Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum represents a pivotal moment in advancing circular economy principles across the Asia-Pacific region. By fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, driving policy innovation, and promoting sustainable practices, the Forum paves the way for a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future.India’s leadership, showcased through initiatives like C-3, Swachh Bharat Mission, and E-Waste Management Rules, underscores its commitment to addressing global environmental challenges while setting an example for the world to follow.