The 12th Regional 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and Circular Economy Forum is being organized in Jaipur, India, under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The Forum is being held in collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, UN ESCAP, UNCRD, UNDSDG, and UNDESA, with support from the Government of Rajasthan.
About the Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum
- Launched in 2009 by the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD).
- Aims to provide strategic policy inputs to Asia-Pacific countries for mainstreaming 3R principles and circular economy.
- Acts as a platform for knowledge exchange and sharing best practices in waste management and resource efficiency.
- The last Forum was hosted by Cambodia in 2023.
- India previously hosted the 8th edition in 2018 in Indore.
Key Highlights of the 12th Regional Forum
- Focused on the Asia-Pacific region, guiding policy development on 3R and circular economy.
- Aims to accelerate progress towards a circular economy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Participation expected from 38 invited member countries, 15 Union Ministries, all States/UTs, over 60 cities, more than 40 start-ups and businesses, and around 120 speakers.
- Discussions to drive policy action, fostering collaborations for sustainable development.
Jaipur Declaration: Key Outcome of the12th Forum
- The Forum will conclude with the adoption of the ‘Jaipur Declaration’ (2025-34), outlining a roadmap for resource efficiency and circular economy transition in Asia-Pacific countries.
- Builds upon the Hanoi Declaration (2013-23), which guided the past decade of 3R policies.
- Aims to shift from a linear ‘take-make-dispose’ economy to a circular economy by encouraging sustainable resource management.
- The Jaipur Declaration is voluntary and legally non-binding but will serve as a strategic framework for participating nations.
- The Declaration will be handed over to the next host country for implementation continuity.