WCEF Side Events present circular economy solutions from around the globe. They address specific topics related to the circular economy and the role circularity plays in the economies of the future, as well as in the fight against climate change and the nature crisis.

Side events can take place any time during 2025, excluding during the programme of the annual forum WCEF2025 (13-16 May). If you are interested in organising a side event, please submit your application by filling in the application form and sending it to contactus.wcef@sitra.fi. Note that it takes a few days to process and upload the events on this list.

The organisers are responsible for all practicalities, expenses and inquiries related to organising and participating in the side events. Side events may be organised either virtually or locally.

Upcoming events

Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 April 

Basque Circular Summit 2025 

The Basque Circular Summit, the largest circular economy event in Southern Europe, will bring together professionals and specialists from the industrial and environmental fields. Join them to analyse the implications that the transition to a circular model is having on the European Union. The event languages are Spanish and Basque. 

Organiser: Ihobe 

Time: see separate programme on event website 

Wednesday 16 April

How a circular blue economy can mitigate climate change, marine litter and plastic pollution in Africa

This webinar will provide practical guidance, expert insights and real-world case studies to help governments, businesses and civil society build a circular blue economy. Participants will also learn how to leverage Sustainable Seas Trust’s (SST’s) Plastic-Free Seas Guidebook and its action plan templates to drive impactful change. 

Organisers: SST, Petco, African Circular Economy Network, and International Water Management Institute 

Time: 15:00-16:30 UTC+3 

Wednesday 23 to Thursday 24 April

FRUSH goes to ecosystems

FRUSH is an event focusing on the ESG requirements of the circular economy, dealing with the practical requirements of supply chains and legislation. The event offers information about the needs of the business world and the opportunity to create contacts. Culminating in a startup competition, the programme includes expert speeches and panel discussions as well as a possibility for companies and communities to present their activities and services. The Grow and Internationalise event is organised as part of FRUSH, in cooperation with Team Finland Häme. The event language is Finnish.

Organiser: Forssan Yrityskehitys Oy

Time: 8:30-16:00 UTC+3

Monday 12 May

Embedding the bioeconomy into multi-sector circular economy roadmaps 

Compared to technical material sectors, organic materials often lack comprehensive strategies for circular value creation. Based on empirical cases from grantees of the UK-UNCTAD SMEP Programme, this session demonstrates how organic residues can be transformed into high-value products, highlighting enabling policies and South-South cooperation.  

Organisers: UNCTAD and Chatham House 

Time: 20:00-23:00 UTC+3 

Past events

Thursday 13 February

Sustainable learning: Circular economy in education 

This event aims to deepen the understanding of the circular economy in environmental education, aligning with the national circular economy and environmental education strategies (ENEC and ENEA). It will focus on integrating the SDGs, promoting pedagogical actions and innovative practices for sustainable education. The event language is Portuguese. 

Organiser: Firjan SESI – Casa Firjan 

Time: 19:00-20:30 UTC+3 

Wednesday 12 March

Book launch: “Circular strategies for success” 

Join us to celebrate the book launch “Circular Strategies for Success” by Anne Raudaskoski, co-founder and head of circular design at Ethica! The panel discussion with renowned circular experts will focus on what is needed to transform your R&D process from linear to circular. You can join in person or online. 

Organiser: Ethica 

Time: 18:30-19:30 UTC+2 

About

WCEF Side Events are part of the World Circular Economy Forum concept. The organisers of these events have an opportunity to present their circular economy solutions and engage international and local audiences. They also get to highlight their work in supporting the development of a circular economy.

All WCEF Side Events are independent events organised by one or more hosts. The hosts of each side event are responsible for all practicalities and expenses related to organising the event, including the virtual event platform and tools, possible venue, programme, invitations, registration, marketing and communications. Sitra will not be responsible for any practical arrangements or costs.

As the initiator of the WCEF concept, Sitra will promote the side events in WCEF newsletters and on social media, based on the information submitted by the side event host in the application form.

If you are interested in organising a WCEF Side Event, please submit your application to contactus.wcef@sitra.fi using the application form. New side events will be added to this list monthly.