ICEF 2024: Driving Sustainable Innovation and Global Collaboration

The International Council for Circular Economy (ICCE) has announced the 3rd Annual India Circular Economy Forum (ICEF2024), scheduled to take place on July 11th and 12th at the India Habitat Center in New Delhi. This year's forum aims to address the pressing concerns of climate change by promoting the principles of a circular economy in India.

ICEF 2024: Global Participation and Thought Leadership

ICEF2024 is set to be a significant event, with over 300 delegates from 18 countries and more than 70 speakers. The forum will feature participation from key Indian Government Ministries, United Nations bodies, and foreign embassies. Notably, Mr. Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa of the Government of India, will deliver the inaugural keynote address.

Shalini Goyal Bhalla, Managing Director of ICCE, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, "India's adoption of a circular economy pathway could yield substantial environmental benefits and a reduction in congestion, thereby reducing pollution. Circular Economy is not an option but a necessity. Together, we can shape a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for India and the world."

ICEF 2024: Forum Highlights: Panels, Workshops, and Key Addresses

Under the theme "Emerging Technology and Innovation in Industry: Enabling a Circular Transition," ICEF2024 will feature 13 panel discussions, 3 accelerator sessions, and various workshops. These sessions aim to tackle the critical challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a sustainable and circular economy.

Key topics include:

• Innovative Technologies: Driving India's Circular Transition
• Textile Tech: Innovations Driving Circular Economy in Fashion
• Reinventing Plastics: Innovations for a Circular Economy

Prominent speakers include Smt Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal; Smt Roopa Mishra, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA); Sh Dinesh Jagdale, Joint Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE); and Mr Michael Bucki, Counsellor & Head of Section – Sustainable Modernization, Delegation of the European Union.

Strategic Goals and Expected Outcomes

ICEF2024 aims to produce actionable outcomes, including publishing a comprehensive report on innovation in Indian cities, showcasing global advancements in waste management, and establishing a city network platform for the exchange of ideas, innovations, and technologies. The forum will also feature active participation from six Indian ministries, including MoHUA, MNRE, MIETY, as well as UN bodies like UN Global Compact, UNDP, UNEP, and embassies from the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, the US, and the British High Commission.

Advancing India's Circular Economy

According to the CII National Circular Economy Framework (NCEF), by 2050, India's circular economy is projected to reach $2 trillion and is expected to create nearly 10 million jobs. This transition aligns with India's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) regarding responsible consumption and production. The circular economy is also a key pillar of the Mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, encouraging sustainable lifestyles.