Check out the Circular Economy agenda for 2026

By Arlene Carvalho, from the Circular Movement

After the Year of the Circular Economy, 2026 emerges as a decisive period to consolidate circularity at the heart of global agendas for sustainability, science, business, and public policy. Throughout the year, managers, scientists, entrepreneurs, students, and community leaders will gather at conferences, forums, and thematic meetings to debate challenges, share solutions, and strengthen alliances capable of accelerating the transition toward more circular and regenerative systems.

We have selected some of the main events in Brazil, Latin America, and around the world. These are opportunities to deepen knowledge, expand networks, and be part of the circular transformation. Below are the initiatives already scheduled for 2026, organized in chronological order:

January

Climate Action Week Maldives 2026
January 15–18 | Maldives | in-person + virtual
A week focused on youth climate leadership, innovation, and climate action in vulnerable regions, bringing together young activists, leaders, and experts to discuss concrete solutions and collaborative strategies in the face of climate challenges. Learn more.

February

Decarb Summit 2026 (DCS)
February 5–6 | São Paulo (SP), Brazil
An event focused on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to more sustainable production models, bringing together companies, experts, and leaders to discuss practical strategies, climate policies, innovation, and pathways toward a low-carbon economy, with direct links to the circular economy. More information here.

Youth Future Summit (YFS) 2026
February 5–8 | Geneva, Switzerland
A global gathering focused on youth leadership, bringing together students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations to discuss solutions for a sustainable planet, with a focus on renewable energy, innovation, ecological transition, and the impacts of artificial intelligence. Learn more.

March

Northeast Circular Economy Forum 2026
March 16–17 | Ceará, Brazil
A regional circuit dedicated to integration, experience sharing, and strengthening circular economy initiatives in Brazil’s Northeast, bringing together the productive sector, public managers, academia, and civil society. More details here.

Circular Economy Expo 2026 – Tokyo
March 17–19 | Tokyo, Japan
An international trade fair focused on zero-emission technologies, decarbonization, and ESG management solutions. Japan continues to consolidate itself as a global reference in public policy and industrial innovation related to the circular economy. Details here.

Week of the Circular Economy 2026
March 19–27 | Netherlands
A week dedicated to circular business models, innovation, and networking among professionals, researchers, and scientists, featuring panels, workshops, and collaborative meetings. Official website.

Go Circular Summit 2026
March 24–26 | Mannheim, Germany
A business conference aimed at accelerating the circular economy in the corporate sector, with a focus on plastics circularity and value chain innovation. Details here.

May

EcoFusion EXPO 2026
May 5–7 | São Paulo (SP), Brazil
One of Latin America’s leading international events on sustainability, innovation, and the green economy, focused on fostering sustainable connections, green infrastructure, and circular economy solutions. More information here.

June

Right Here, Right Now – Global Youth Climate Summit 2026
June 5 | Oxford (United Kingdom) + global hubs
An international event focused on youth leadership, climate justice, and innovation, held in connection with the UN World Environment Day. Details at this link.

Eco Experience 2026
June 11–12 | Itu (SP), Brazil
Brazil’s first dynamic industry trade fair, featuring hands-on experiences, demonstrations of recycling machinery, and environmental technologies in operation. Official website.

Hyvolution Brazil 2026
June 16–17 | São Paulo (SP), Brazil
An event focused on hydrogen, energy transition, and their connections to the circular economy, bringing together companies, researchers, policymakers, and investors. Event details here.

Circularity 2026
June 23–26 | San Francisco, USA
An international conference focused on accelerating the adoption of the circular economy in the corporate sector, connecting business leaders, innovators, and investors. More information here.

August

São Paulo Climate Week 2026
August 2026 | São Paulo, Brazil
An event that is part of the global Climate Weeks network, bringing together leaders, organizations, companies, academia, and civil society to discuss climate solutions, urban sustainability, energy transition, bioeconomy, mobility, and the circular economy in major urban centers. The August program combines panels, workshops, exhibitions, street actions, and collaborative meetings aimed at accelerating climate action and building a greener, more resilient future. More information here.

Global Youth Summit for Change (GYSC) 2026
August 27–30 | Geneva, Switzerland
An international event focused on youth-led solutions for climate action, peacebuilding, digital innovation, and human rights. Official website.

September

Circular Economy Expo 2026 – Chiba
September 9–11 | Chiba, Japan
The second edition of the event in Japan, expanding its focus on clean technologies, public policies, and industrial innovation. More information here.

November

Ecomondo 2026
November 3–6 | Rimini, Italy
One of Europe’s largest trade fairs dedicated to ecological transition and the circular economy, bringing together companies, governments, startups, and researchers. Official website.

COP31 – United Nations Climate Change Conference
November 9–20 | Antalya, Türkiye
COP31 will be held in an unprecedented format, with Australia acting as the presidency of the negotiations. The conference takes place after COP30 in Brazil, which strengthened the country’s role in the global climate debate, and expectations are that the Circular Economy will be one of the central topics. Details here.

ISWA World Congress 2026
November 9–11 | London, United Kingdom
One of the leading global congresses on solid waste management, circular economy, and environmental public policies. Learn more.

Events with dates to be confirmed in 2026

World Circular Economy Forum – WCEF 2026
To be held in India, bringing together global leaders to discuss solutions that accelerate the transition to a circular and regenerative economy. Exact dates and locations have not yet been announced. The previous edition, held in São Paulo, marked the forum’s first time in Latin America, and the Circular Movement was present.

More than just an agenda, this calendar reveals a global community in motion. Being present in these spaces means following trends, strengthening alliances, and driving the transition toward fairer and more regenerative systems.

Follow these topics, discussions, and coverage on the Circular Movement’s channels on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the blog.