The World Circular Economy Forum 2021 (WCEF2021) takes place from September 13-15, offering three days of circular economy information, ideation and best practice. Co-organised by the Government of Canada and Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra in collaboration with a number of other national governments, circular economy practitioners and economic organisations, the event will be held in North America for the first time. 

The annual forum has been running since 2017 and aims to present the world’s leading circular economy solutions to business leaders, policymakers and experts from around the world. This year the forum is aiming to identify the transformational changes to the structure of our society and economy required to bring about a circular economy; the “game changers”.  WCEF2021 will bring three different types of sessions to participants with the aim of sharing circular economy projects and highlighting examples of the concept being put into practice. These include: 

• Game Changer Sessions exploring crosscutting themes to answer a common question: “What transformational steps can we take in the next five years to catalyse the systemic changes required to scale up a global circular economy that is prosperous, inclusive and equitable?”

• Demonstration Sessions bringing the themes of the Game Changer Sessions to life through inspiring examples of the circular economy in action.

• Accelerator Sessions offering outcome-oriented events hosted by partner organisations to bridge with the daily work needed for a circular transition. 

The event will also feature an Expo Area for participants to network with circular economy enthusiasts from around the world and explore selected circular economy solutions and approaches virtually with the hope of building upon the knowledge and collaboration fostered at previous events. 

The first Forum, WCEF2017, identified key elements of a circular economy and showcased solutions and learnings from around the world. At WCEF2018, more than one 1000 circular economy experts discussed creating a true circular economy by 2050. WCEF2019 emphasised the next era of the circular economy and scaling up the transition, with more than 2,200 participants.

As the world adjusted to the impacts of COVID-19 in 2020, WCEFonline presented the circular solutions to reboot the world’s economy and opened its doors to even more participants through its new online format. Most recently, WCEF+Climate held in early 2021 focused on the crucial role of a circular economy in achieving climate neutrality.

After five years spent laying the groundwork, WCEF2021 shows that now is the time to make the changes necessary to accelerate the transition to a prosperous, inclusive and equitable circular economy. Find out more about the WCEF2021 programme or register for the event free of charge.