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The Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ICI) will host the Regional Circular Economy Forum 2025, an official side event of the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF), under the theme “Bridging the Gap: The Collaborative Path to Circularity.” Organized in cooperation with the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Team Finland, the Forum will convene industry leaders, policymakers, academics, and civil society in Istanbul.
Since its launch in Helsinki in 2017, the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) has grown into one of the most prominent global platforms on the circular economy. Following online editions during the pandemic, it was hosted in Helsinki (2023) and Brussels (2024), with upcoming editions in Brazil (2025) and India (2026). Within this global journey, the Regional Forum in Istanbul on 23–24 October 2025 will stand as a significant milestone. Building on Türkiye’s strong industrial capacity and strategic location, the Istanbul meeting will strengthen regional cooperation and contribute to accelerating the circular transition.
The global economy is undergoing a profound transformation toward sustainability, circularity, and climate neutrality. The European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan serve as critical milestones, underlining the need to redesign production and consumption systems.
As one of the region’s leading industrial hubs, Türkiye plays a strategic bridging role in advancing the circular economy, supported by its robust industrial base and growing policy alignment with the European Union. At the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Istanbul provides a unique meeting place for diverse stakeholders to come together.
With over 23,000 members, the Istanbul Chamber of Industry maintains strong international partnerships and has extensive experience in hosting large-scale events. The Regional Circular Economy Forum 2025 will serve not only as a platform for dialogue but also as a venue for developing practical solutions and long-term partnerships.