About

WCEF is the world’s leading event for circular economy thinkers, doers and leaders. 

Background 

The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) is an annual event organised by Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund, with international partners. The forum brings together leaders from business, government, academia and civil society to discuss global issues related to the circular economy and to find solutions to the challenges facing the world. 

WCEF is the world’s leading event on the circular economy, and it provides a platform for sharing knowledge and expertise, building networks and partnerships, and advancing the transition to a circular economy. The forum, held since 2017, has so far been hosted in Africa (Rwanda), Asia (Japan), Europe (Belgium, Finland and The Netherlands) and North America (Canada). 

WCEF is Sitra’s global initiative that examines how businesses can gain a competitive advantage through a circular economy and how the circular economy contributes to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

WCEF2025 – Tropical solutions for sustainable growth 

WCEF lands in Brazil in May 2025, with online participation open to everyone. 

In its 9th edition, the World Circular Economy Forum will take place surrounded by the greenery of Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo from 13 to 16 May. The plenaries and sessions will be held in two iconic buildings designed by the renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer: the Ibirapuera Auditorium and the Brazilian Cultural Pavilion. 

This year, for the first time, we’ll bring the productive sector into the spotlight. You’ll have the opportunity to extensively explore what the sector has been successfully developing in terms of business, solutions and strategies in this vital transition to a circular economy.  

The forum will also address key topics relevant to Latin America and the entire world, bringing together leading global experts to debate and promote cross-border collaboration. 

WCEF is an initiative of the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and will, in 2025, be organised jointly with FIESP (Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo), CNI (Brazilian National Industry Confederation), Apex-Brasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) and SENAI (Brazilian National Industrial Learning Service).