India has launched the Cities Coalition for Circularity initiative at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific that was held in Jaipur.

About Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3)

• C-3 is a multi-nation alliance aimed at fostering city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships for sustainable urban development. 
• The coalition will serve as a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and development partners to discuss and implement sustainable solutions for waste management and resource efficiency across the Asia-Pacific region.
• The coalition emphasizes the adoption of 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and circular economy principles.

Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum

• The Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific was launched in 2009.
• Purpose: To promote sustainable waste management, resource efficiency, and circular economy principles across the Asia-Pacific region.
• Focus Areas: Addressing challenges like rapid economic growth, resource depletion, and rising waste generation.
• Key Milestone: Adoption of the Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013-2023), which outlined 33 voluntary goals for transitioning to a resource-efficient and circular economy.
• 2025 Forum Highlights: 
  • Theme: Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific.
  • Organized by: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) and Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES).

What is a Circular Economy?

• A circular economy is an economic model designed to minimize waste, maximize resource efficiency, and promote sustainability.
• Unlike the traditional linear economy (take, make, dispose), a circular economy focuses on closing the loop through principles like reuse, recycling, and regeneration.

Key Principles of a Circular Economy

• Reduce: Minimize the use of raw materials and resources by designing products that require fewer resources to produce and operate.
• Reuse: Extend the life of products and materials by repairing, refurbishing, or repurposing them.
• Recycle: Recover materials from waste streams and transform them into new products or raw materials.
• Regenerate: Restore and regenerate natural systems by using renewable energy and sustainable practices.
• Design for Longevity: Create durable, repairable, and upgradable products to reduce waste.