Gandhinagar, Sep 15: Economic development and environmental protection cannot be treated as separate goals, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said at the World Circular Economy Forum 2026, calling for a growth model that creates prosperity while protecting natural resources.
Addressing the global forum, Patel stressed the need for countries and businesses to make more efficient use of resources and reduce waste as economies expand. He said sustainable development will require greater focus on recycling, reuse, resource efficiency and cleaner production practices.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come at a time when industries across the world are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining competitiveness. The circular economy model offers a way to achieve both objectives by keeping materials and products in use for longer and reducing the amount of waste generated.
The World Circular Economy Forum has brought together policymakers, industry representatives, experts and other stakeholders to discuss practical solutions for building more sustainable economic systems.
For Gujarat and India, the circular economy also represents an emerging area of economic opportunity. Investments in recycling, waste management, renewable materials, repair and reuse, clean technology and resource-efficient manufacturing could create new businesses and employment opportunities.
A stronger circular economy can also help industries reduce their dependence on raw materials and improve the efficiency of their supply chains. For companies, this could translate into lower resource costs, better waste management and new revenue opportunities from products and materials that were previously discarded.
The forum is therefore highlighting a wider shift in the way economic growth is being viewed. Sustainability is increasingly becoming part of business strategy, with governments and companies looking for solutions that can support both economic expansion and environmental protection.
Gujarat’s emphasis on circularity reflects the growing importance of sustainable production and responsible resource use in shaping the next phase of industrial and economic development.