ICLEI South Asia demonstrated its unwavering commitment to fostering circular societies and driving sustainable urban development at the prestigious “12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia-Pacific,” held in Jaipur from 3-5 March 2025.

Organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) of the Government of India; Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan (MoE-J); United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP); United Nations Centre for Regional Development of the Division for Sustainable Development Goals, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNCRD-DSDG/UN DESA), this high-level forum convened under the theme “Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific.”

The Forum brought together policymakers, experts, and organisations to discuss innovative strategies and strengthen regional cooperation for advancing circular economy principles. A significant outcome was the initiation of the new voluntary 3R and Circular Economy Declaration (2025-2034).

The event saw the physical participation of 24 Asia-Pacific member countries, with ministers from Japan, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and Maldives attending in person. Additionally, nearly 200 international delegates and 800 Indian delegates from 33 States and UTs, 15-line ministries, the private sector, and technical institutions joined the discussions. 

Experts from ICLEI South Asia participated as speakers, delegates, and development partners in this high-level forum, where members engaged in discussion on pathways to circular societies, Sustainable Development Goals  (SDGs), and carbon neutrality. They also shared insights and experiences from on -ground initiatives.

ICLEI’s Deputy Secretary General and Executive Director, ICLEI South Asia, Emani Kumar, and Director, ICLEI South Asia, Soumya Chaturvedula, made impactful contributions through their thought leadership. In a session on circular water solutions, Emani Kumar highlighted ICLEI’s work on water circularity worldwide.  He emphasised the need for integrated waste management aligned with 3R principles while promoting a circular economy in both solid and liquid waste management. Meanwhile, Soumya Chaturvedula led a roundtable discussion on the transition of construction and demolition waste to circularity, advocating for policy reforms in perspective.  She also highlighted the importance of robust policy frameworks and fostering multi-stakeholder collaborations to support local governments in the scientific management of waste.

ICLEI South Asia’s Booth Engagements

ICLEI South Asia was provided a booth space alongside leading national and international organisations in the waste management sector. Throughout the three-day event, more than 100 senior government officials, politicians, and organisational representatives visited ICLEI South Asia’s booth. Visitors learned about ICLEI’s impactful support to urban local bodies in municipal waste management and circular economy initiatives. The booth served as a vibrant platform for meaningful discussions and collaborative opportunities.

Notable dignitaries who visited the booth included:

• Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs of India, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar
• Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma
• Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav
• Union Minister of State for Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Tokhan Sahu
• Mayor of Jaipur Greater, Smt. Somya Gurjar

Through its active participation, ICLEI South Asia reaffirmed its leadership in driving resource-efficient, low-carbon, and climate-resilient urban systems, aligning with the SDGs and the region’s carbon neutrality goals.

Representatives from ICLEI South Asia:

• Executive Director, Emani Kumar
• Director, Soumya Chaturvedula
• Associate Director, Sayli Mankikar
• Senior Manager, Rahul
• Deputy Manager, Bhupandra Salodia