In 2025, the ninth annual World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF2025) brought the world’s leading circular economy thinkers and doers to São Paulo, Brazil. It spotlighted the unique potential of tropical solutions to drive sustainable growth and resilience in a resource-constrained world.

WCEF2025 reaffirmed the circular economy as a cornerstone of the regenerative economy and a vital strategy for decoupling well-being from resource use, placing the production sector at the centre of the transition.

The programme emphasised the urgency of global collaboration, harmonised policies and inclusive financing to scale circular solutions. Speakers from across continents emphasised that the circular transition must be both ambitious and equitable - ensuring that communities most exposed to climate and resource vulnerabilities are not left behind but empowered as leaders in the shift.

Held on 13-14 May, the main event featured high-level panels, showcased solutions and fostered interactive dialogues, with 115 speakers from around the world sharing their insights and experience. More than 40 organisations shared their solutions at the expo, and seven studios around the world brought the discussions closer to local audiences. On 15-16 May, WCEF collaborators hosted 100 accelerator sessions in São Paulo, online and around the world, offering deeper dives into practical implementation.

Read the summary to see what was discussed and shared at WCEF2025!