Over 500 Participants Expected at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Jaipur

More than 500 participants from around the world and within India are anticipated at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific. Scheduled from March 3-5, the event will take place at the Rajasthan International Centre. The forum will focus on "Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific," aiming to foster discussions on advancing circular economy practices.

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The Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, is leading the organisation of this forum. Collaborating with Japan's Ministry of the Environment, UN ESCAP, UNCRD, UNDSDG, and UNDESA, they have support from the Government of Rajasthan. The event promises to be a significant gathering for sharing insights and strategies.

Focus on Circular Economy

The Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum, initiated by UNCRD in 2009, aims to guide government authorities in Asia-Pacific on integrating 3R principles—reduce, reuse, recycle—and circularity into policies. It serves as a platform for exchanging best practices. The previous forum was held in Cambodia in 2023, while India last hosted it in Indore in 2018.

Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, highlighted that a key outcome of this year's forum will be the Jaipur Declaration. This declaration will be adopted on the final day and will provide a framework for developing 3R and circular economy policies from 2025 to 2034. It builds upon the Hanoi Declaration (2013-23) and is voluntary and non-binding.

India's Initiatives Showcased

An India Pavilion will be featured at the forum, showcasing India's significant achievements in the 3R and circular economy sectors. This pavilion will include exhibitions from 15 key line ministries and national missions, demonstrating India's comprehensive approach to sustainable development.

Jhabhar Singh Kharra, State Minister Independent Charge of Urban Development and Local Self Government in Rajasthan, stated that his department is actively supporting the forum's preparations. They will participate in various sessions during the three-day conference.

Case Studies and Best Practices

A compendium featuring 100 best practices on 3R & Circular Economy will be released during the forum. This booklet includes 11 case studies from Jaipur, highlighting successful implementations of these principles.

The event aims to transition economies from a linear take-make-dispose model to a more sustainable circular economy. By bringing together global leaders and experts, it seeks to drive meaningful discussions on achieving carbon neutrality through circular societies.