India bats for a global platform to accelerate the adoption of a circular economy

India has proposed a global Cities Coalition for Circularity (C3) platform to accelerate the adoption of a circular economy by connecting cities, academia, and tech innovators, the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Mr. Manohar Lal Khattar, announced at the 12th Regional 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific. The C3 platform, in line with the Jaipur Declaration, aims to be a multi-stakeholder, multi-national alliance for sharing knowledge, technical expertise, and best practices in resource efficiency and waste management. India will present C3 as a major digital platform to promote city-to-city collaboration, partnerships, and innovation, with a working group of voluntary member nations finalizing its structure and principles. 

Highlighting the urgency of adopting circular practices, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Mr. Manohar Lal Khattar, noted that rapid industrialization and consumerism have led to a growing use-and-throw culture, increasing waste generation. He emphasized integrating modern technology with traditional practices to enhance recycling, resource efficiency, and environmental responsibility. The Centre has identified 11 key sectors, including liquid waste management and lithium battery recycling, to maximize resource utilization and reduce waste. Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Mr. Bhajan Lal Sharma stressed the need for sustainable conservation efforts, recognizing the impact of industrialization on forests, rivers, and mountains. Over 1,000 delegates from Asia-Pacific countries, including policymakers, industry leaders, and international organizations, are attending the forum, which has been organized by the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) since 2009. 

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