ICLEI and the Circular Idea will promote the acceleration session “Circular Cities: Local Solutions for Global Impacts“", on the day May 15, 2025, of 3pm to 5pm, in Room 403 of the Getúlio Vargas Foundation, located at Rua Itapeva, 474 – Bela Vista, São Paulo. This session is part of the program for the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2025, which takes place on May 13th and 14th at Ibirapuera Park, and continues on May 15th and 16th with acceleration sessions open to the public.
The session aims to foster debate on the role of cities in the transition to a circular economy, highlighting their importance in the climate agenda and environmental regeneration. It seeks to share concrete experiences from Latin America and the Caribbean, demonstrating how circular solutions can boost climate adaptation and urban sustainability. Furthermore, it aims to strengthen regional and global cooperation, promoting knowledge exchange, adapting best practices to different local contexts, and implementing innovative strategies for managing urban flows, bioeconomy, and innovation.
Registration for the Circular Cities session is now open and can be done here..
Check the schedule:
| Institutional openness |
| The Plastics Coalition and the Role of Governments in the Circular Economy
The panel will discuss the crucial role of local and subnational governments in combating plastic pollution and implementing the circular economy. The work of the Coalition of Local and Subnational Governments to End Plastic Pollution will be presented, with an emphasis on the public policies of Quebec and Catalonia, highlighting examples of how these governments are integrating circular solutions and collaborating with other entities to promote a global sustainability agenda. |
| Innovation and Business Models for the Circular Economy in Cities
This panel highlights initiatives that connect technology, entrepreneurship, and social impact to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. |
Panel – Inclusive Circular Economy
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| Panel – Experiences and Best Practices in Latin America and the Caribbean – Invited cities share how they are implementing the circular economy in different sectors. |
| Closing |
Also register for the sessions promoted by the organizations ICLEI, Prevent Waste Alliance, GIZ, Ideia Circular and FGV on May 15th (Thursday):
The WCEF, organized by Sitra – the Finnish Innovation Fund – in partnership with international organizations, is one of the leading global events on the circular economy. Held annually, it brings together leaders from the business, government, academic, and civil society sectors to discuss challenges and promote circular solutions on a global scale. In 2025, for the first time, the forum will take place in South America.
For more information on the program, exhibition opportunities, and parallel events, those interested can consult the official website of WCEF2025 or contact us by email [email protected].
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