Year of Circular Economy: check out some events addressing the topic worldwide in 2025

2025 is a pivotal year for the Circular Economy, with a packed agenda of national and international events highlighting the need to build circular societies. The debate on Circular Economy has reached an unprecedented level of visibility, and its essential role in the future is unquestionable. Throughout the year, leaders, experts, and engaged citizens will gather at conferences, summits, and forums to share ideas, foster innovation, and drive transformative actions that push this much-needed change forward.  

Among the key events shaping this landscape, we can highlight the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF 2025) in São Paulo and COP30 in Belém, Pará, both highly relevant in Brazil. Additionally, the G20 Summit and the United Nations Climate Change Conference will also bring Circular Economy to the forefront, discussing the evolution of global systems of production, consumption, and waste management.  

Check out the main highlights and get ready to engage in this transformative movement!

APRIL

Global Youth Climate Summit - Belo Horizonte, Brazil
The Global Youth Climate Summit 2025 will be hosted at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The event will bring together 500 young people from various parts of the Global South to tackle climate change challenges. The initiative aims to expand knowledge on climate science, develop leadership skills, and support climate action. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from experts and collaborate on solutions to protect biodiversity. Additionally, 10 young leaders from vulnerable countries will receive financial support to implement climate and biodiversity projects in their communities. More details at this link.

MAY

6th New Sanitation Forum - São Paulo, Brazil
The New Sanitation Forum is one of the leading events in the sector, bringing together leaders and experts to discuss challenges and solutions aimed at achieving universal access to water and sewage services in Brazil. This is the 6th edition of the event, taking place on May 6-7, 2025. It will feature thematic panels and case studies, covering topics such as the challenges of new municipal administrations, the impacts of tax reform on the sector, and the role of regulatory agencies in contract oversight, as well as opportunities in solid waste management, urban drainage, and technological innovations. The Forum aims to connect leaders, promote concrete solutions, and drive sustainable sanitation development in the country. More information here.

World Circular Economy Forum - São Paulo, Brazil
The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF2025) will be held for the first time in South America, in São Paulo, on May 13-14, 2025. Now in its ninth edition, the event will bring together global leaders to discuss the role of the productive sector in the transition to a circular economy, exploring tropical solutions for sustainable growth, regenerative economy, and bioeconomy. The main sessions will take place at Ibirapuera Park, with in-person participation limited to invited guests, but online access open to everyone. Additionally, on May 15-16, accelerator sessions will be organized by WCEF collaborators, both online and in other locations worldwide. For more information, visit this link.

JUNE

United Nations Ocean Conference - Nice, France
The 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference will take place from June 9 to 13, 2025, in Nice, France, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica. The conference’s central theme is: "Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean", aiming to promote urgent measures for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. The event will bring together governments, intergovernmental organizations, international financial institutions, NGOs, academia, the private sector, indigenous and local communities, among others, to assess challenges and opportunities related to the implementation of UN SDG 14. This conference follows previous editions held in New York (2017) and Lisbon (2022). More details available at this link.

UN Climate Change Conference - Bonn, Germany
From June 16 to 26, 2025, the city of Bonn, Germany, will host the UN Climate Change Conference. The event will bring together negotiators, experts, and representatives from governments, NGOs, and the private sector to discuss mitigation, adaptation, financing, and climate technology. The discussions in Bonn will serve as a foundation for COP 30, which will take place in Brazil, helping to shape key guidelines and progress in the global climate agenda. More information available at this link.

IFAT Brazil (International Trade Fair for Water, Sewage, Drainage, and Waste Recovery Solutions) - São Paulo, Brazil
IFAT Brazil is an international trade fair focused on solutions for water, sewage, drainage, and waste recovery. The 2025 edition will take place from June 25 to 27 at São Paulo Expo. The event will bring together companies, experts, and industry leaders to discuss innovations and challenges in sanitation, waste management, and energy recovery. It will also provide opportunities for networking and collaboration on environmental solutions. More information available on the official website.

AUGUST

World Water Week - Stockholm, Sweden
The World Water Week 2025 will take place from August 24 to 28 in Stockholm, with the theme "Water for Climate Action". The event will address how water can be a solution to reduce and adapt to the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. Researchers, industry leaders, and civil society representatives will be present to discuss how to improve resilience and tackle environmental challenges. Learn more here.

OCTOBER

ISWA World Congress and Exhibition 2025 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
The ISWA World Congress and Exhibition 2025 will take place from October 27 to 29, 2025 at the Buenos Aires Convention Center, Argentina. With the theme "Towards a Waste-Free Future or a Wasted Planet?", this is the leading global event on solid waste management, bringing together professionals from the field, government and industry leaders, scientists, and policymakers. The congress will feature lectures, technical visits, and cultural programming, promoting the exchange of knowledge and innovations for sustainable waste management. Access more information here.

NOVEMBER

COP30 - Pará, Brazil
The COP30, the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference, will take place in Belém, the capital of Pará, in November 2025, bringing together world leaders, scientists, and civil society representatives to discuss climate action. Key topics to be discussed include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, climate change adaptation, financing for developing countries, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and climate justice. The event is expected to welcome over 40,000 visitors, including around 7,000 UN members and official delegations. More information available here.

G20 Summit - South Africa
The next G20 Summit will take place in South Africa in 2025. The event will bring together leaders of the world’s largest economies to discuss issues such as economic sustainability, trade, climate change, and global challenges. This annual event promotes economic cooperation and policies for addressing global challenges. Learn more here.

Stay tuned for the key opportunities to connect with this global revolution and be part of a movement that is changing the course of the planet. Keep an eye on our social media to not miss any details and stay updated on everything happening during this pivotal year – the year of Circular Economy.