changeadminThe 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific was inaugurated today in Jaipur, Rajasthan, marking a significant milestone in regional cooperation for sustainable waste management and circular economy initiatives.
This Forum provides a critical platform for policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and development partners to discuss and implement sustainable solutions for waste management and resource efficiency. As economies in the Asia-Pacific region experience rapid urbanization and industrialization, the need for a shift towards a circular economy model has never been more urgent.
The Forum will be held from March 3 to 5, it will focus on Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R), aiming to create a roadmap for sustainable production and consumption patterns.
Through insightful discussions, policy recommendations, and collaborative partnerships, the Forum will help strengthen global and regional commitments with a focus on resource efficiency, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.
History of the High-Level Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific
The Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific was launched in 2009 to promote sustainable waste management, resource efficiency, and circular economy principles across the region.
Recognizing the environmental challenges posed by rapid economic growth, resource depletion, and rising waste generation, the Forum has served as a key platform for policy dialogue and capacity building.
A major milestone was the adoption of the Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013-2023), which outlined 33 voluntary goals for shifting towards a more resource-efficient and circular economy.
Over the years, the Forum has played a crucial role in aligning regional efforts with global sustainability commitments, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement, and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).
The last Forum was held in 2023 and hosted by Cambodia while India previously hosted the Forum in 2018, when the 8th edition was held in Indore.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Message
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a special written message with the forum delegates, emphasising that India follows and strongly advocates the P-3 (Pro Planet People) approach. He also mentioned that India has always been more than willing to share its experiences and learnings in its journey towards Circular Economy.
In his message, he highlighted the role of 3R and Circular Economy principles in ensuring sustainable urban development and resource efficiency. He highlighted India’s leadership in global sustainability efforts, including Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and the Panchamrit Goals announced at COP26, reinforcing India’s commitment to a net-zero future.
Minister’s Address
Inaugurating the event, Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, welcomed dignitaries, industry leaders, and international representatives.
He expressed pride in India hosting the 12th edition of the forum, after the successful 8th forum in Indore. The Minister highlighted Jaipur as an ideal venue due to its deep-rooted traditions in sustainability, such as rainwater harvesting and handicrafts made from recycled materials.
He thanked Bhajanlal Sharma, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, for his leadership in making sustainability a key pillar in the State’s development.
Launch of Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3)
Taking forward PM Modi’s vision, Manohar Lal announced the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3), a multi-nation alliance for city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships.
He stated, “We propose that a working group of member nations be formed after this forum to finalize the coalition’s structure and operational framework.” This is expected to be a game changer in the city-city partnerships across nations.
Manohar Lal reaffirmed that this forum will act as a catalyst for resource efficiency and a low-carbon economy, strengthening collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to build a sustainable future.
During the inaugural address, the Minister said “Circular Economy is not just an environmental responsibility but an economic necessity”. He pointed out that India has always practiced sustainable living, but industrialization led to an increase in waste and resource inefficiency. “Now is the time to modernize and integrate these traditional sustainable practices with technological advancements,” he said.
Manohar Lal emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is championing Circular Economy on the global stage. He highlighted key government initiatives such as:
- Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)
- Panchamrit Goals at COP26, committing India to net-zero emissions by 2070
- Swachh Bharat Mission & AMRUT 2.0, tackling urban waste and wastewater recycling
The Minister also spoke about India’s focus on Bio-CNG, plastic waste management, and e-waste recycling, reaffirming the government’s resolve to create a low-carbon, resource-efficient society.
Jaipur Declaration (2025-2034)
Manohar Lal announced that the forum will adopt the Jaipur Declaration (2025-2034), a non-political, non-binding commitment that will guide the next decade of efforts towards resource efficiency and sustainable urban growth.
3R India Pavilion – Showcasing Innovation
Manohar Lal, along with Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma, inaugurated the 3R India Pavilion. The pavilion features the International 3R Trade and Technology Exhibition, showcasing over 40 Indian and Japanese businesses and start-ups working on waste management and Circular Economy solutions.
Chief Minister’s Remarks
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajanlal Sharma, mentioned that circular economy is not just a necessity for today but also for our future. He said that issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution are creating challenges for the planet Earth and Circular Economy is the most effective way to cope with these challenges.
He said that it is a system where waste is reused and recycled, causing reduced energy consumption and promoting renewable energy.
Highlighting the steps taken by the Rajasthan Government, the Chief Minister said that the Rajasthan government is playing a leading role in this mission. An Environmental Management Cell (EMC) has been established so that waste management and recycling can be done more effectively.
Inauguration of the 3R India Pavilion
As part of the forum, the 3R India Pavilion was jointly inaugurated by Minister Shri Manohar Lal and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma.
The pavilion features the International 3R Trade and Technology Exhibition, showcasing innovative waste management and circular economy solutions from over 40 Indian and Japanese businesses and start-ups. The exhibition serves as a platform for industry leaders to explore cutting-edge technologies in resource efficiency and recycling.
Signing of MoU for City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS) 2.0
During the event, a key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for CITIIS 2.0 was signed, marking a significant milestone in urban sustainability initiatives.
The Minister also spoke about CITIIS 2.0, a flagship initiative driving integrated waste management and climate action. He announced that agreements worth ₹1,800 crores will be signed under this initiative, benefiting 18 cities across 14 states, and serving as lighthouse projects for other urban areas.
Wrapping Up
The 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Jaipur is a landmark Forum that will shape the future of waste management and circular economy strategies in Asia and the Pacific.
As economies in the region seek sustainable solutions to address growing environmental challenges, this Forum will provide a critical avenue for knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and policy advocacy.
By fostering cross-sectoral collaborations, discussing innovative policy approaches, and advancing 3R principles, the Forum will contribute significantly to achieving a zero-waste and circular economy-driven future. The discussions and commitments made at this Forum will not only guide policy implementation but also drive investments in sustainable infrastructure and technological innovations.
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