The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) is an annual event offering a high-level platform to showcase and discuss the most impactful circular solutions worldwide, share knowledge and expertise, build networks and partnerships, and advance the transition to a circular economy. It brings together leaders from business, government, academia, and civil society to find solutions to address the world’s challenges through the circular economy.

This year the CCD partners will contribute to the programme with several sessions. Participation is entirely free of charge. You can join us onsite with a WCEF pass or virtually, where indicated. Please note that separate registration is required for each accelerator session (on April 17th and 18th). We hope to see you there! If you happen to be in Brussels during the conference dates, we'd love to arrange a meeting with you. Simply reach out to us to coordinate.

Monday, 15th April

• 16:45-17:45 European and global perspectives on policy, investment and innovation
  Join this high-level discussion to hear more on the role of policy in enhancing the transition to a circular economy.
  Main stage session | Available for livestream.
• 18:30-19:45 Closing the loop on climate and biodiversity
  Join us as we share findings and key insights from the study “Building Prosperity”, which has quantified the potential for circular economy levers in the built environment sector to deliver nature-positive outcomes and economic benefits to business and society.
  Please reach out to buildingprosperity@ellenmacarthurfoundation.org if you would like to join.

Tuesday, 16th April

• 10:45-11:45 Urban planning catalyses the implementation of circularity
  This session explores how cities steer their urban development to accommodate circular measures in the urban planning processes, from high-level policy to implementation on the ground.
  Main stage session | In-person event.
• 10:45-11:45 Unveiling China’s circular transformation
  This session will delve into the transformative power of circular practices in production and consumption to unravel China’s circular transformation practices and the immense opportunities it presents globally.
  Main stage session | Available for livestream. 
• 10:45-11:45 Food systems in the circular bioeconomy: Lessons from Latin America
  Explore how food systems can transition to a circular economy with the help of bioeconomy policies and innovative practices.
  Main stage session | Available for livestream.

Wednesday, 17th April

• 8:30-10:00 Attracting investors: the power of circular impact
  This session, organised by the Circular Investment Readiness Network (CIRN), delves into how circular projects can leverage impact measurement practices and alignment with EU regulations to attract investments.
  Accelerator session | Available for livestream | Register here to participate in person in Brussels or register here to participate online.
• 09:00 - 18:30: The Built Environment Series
  This all-day event features four expert-led sessions on different aspects of how circular economy principles can ensure the built environment remains within planetary boundaries - exploring regenerative design, business cases, circular scenarios and blueprints for solutions.
  Accelerator session | In-person event | Register here 
• 14:00-16:00 Achieving climate goals and nature restoration in urban settings
  Based on the analysis of the Circular Cities Declaration Report 2024, the accelerator session will explore how cities and towns are showing the way for integrated action towards reducing sectorial CO2 emissions, preserving biodiversity and further shared goals.
  Accelerator session | Online event | Register here

Thursday, 18th April

• 9:30-15:15 Cities and regions getting ahead with the circular transition
  This session will feature interactive roundtables on how EU cities and regions can get the governance and finance right for the circular transition. It will also introduce the main advisory and support activities offered in the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) framework – including the EIB’s Circular City Centre (C3) initiative and OECD’s support to CCRI Fellows.
  Accelerator session | In-person event | Register here 
• 13:00-14:00 Preventing food waste: cities leading the way forward
  This accelerator session will explore strategies that cities put in place to reduce food waste along the food supply chain. Building on the CHORIZO and the CityLoops projects, we will bring practical examples from frontrunner cities.
  Accelerator session | Online event | Register here