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

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 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

Tuesday 20 May

Circular Arena Oulu CIAO 

CIAO2025 is a circular economy seminar and trade exhibition in Oulu, Finland, for businesses and other circularity experts. The main themes are the international circular economy, planning for circularity and ICT/AI in the service of circularity. 

Organiser: Business Oulu 

Time: 8:00-16:00 UTC+3 

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.