12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum Begins

What happened

The 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific was inaugurated in Jaipur on 3 March 2025, bringing together global leaders to discuss sustainable urban development. Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal announced the launch of the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3), a digital platform for knowledge-sharing between cities and technical institutions. Agreements worth ₹1,800 crore will be signed under CITIIS 2.0, benefiting 18 cities across 14 states for waste management and circular economy initiatives.

Why it matters to India

As India strengthens its leadership in global sustainability efforts, initiatives like the P-3 (Pro Planet People) approach and Mission LiFE align with its commitment to a low-carbon economy. The forum provides a platform for India to showcase its circular economy initiatives while fostering international cooperation in waste management, recycling, and resource efficiency. The agreements under CITIIS 2.0 will drive urban sustainability and innovation, setting a benchmark for other cities.