Leading event for circular economy thinkers, doers, and leaders, showcasing the most impactful circular solutions from around the world.

To enable participation from around the world, the forum will be live-streamed online, open to all and free of charge. Attendance in person is by invitation only.

The WCEF2024 programme is guided by the latest scientific evidence on the most impactful circular solutions and explores how to turn them from theory to action. It is designed to facilitate targeted discussions around governance, finance, people and employment, and business and innovation – the key enablers that drive the implementation of circular solutions on the ground.

On the first two days, 15–16 April, the forum will offer 4 plenaries and 16 parallel sessions with complementing workshops. The plenaries will explore cross-cutting thematic issues for a diverse, global audience and they will set the vision for a circular economic model that delivers well-being for all within the planetary boundaries.

The parallel sessions will bring the themes of each session to life through inspiring, practical and scalable examples of the circular economy in action. Day one will include an introduction into topics that contribute to the needed global transformation across sectors.

The following parallel sessions divide into four tracks:

• Bioeconomy (food and bio-based materials)
• Infrastructure (built environment and mobility)
• Manufactured goods and consumables
• European Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference (ECESC)

On 17–18 April, accelerator sessions organised by WCEF2024 collaborators bridge the forum themes with the daily work needed for a circular transition. On 17 April, the Belgian EU presidency team will offer a full day programme, including site visits to circular economy companies in Belgium.

In addition to in-session audience engagement, participants will be able to access a networking area, an event application and an expo throughout the forum. The expo is a curated space for forum attendees in Brussels to engage with innovative and inspiring circular economy solutions demonstrated by leading organisations and businesses from around the world.

WCEF is a global initiative of Finland and Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund. The forum has been held since 2017, growing bigger and more powerful each year.

Event Details