Kolkata, November 13: India will host the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) in New Delhi next autumn (2026) — the first time the global sustainability forum will be held in continental Asia. The announcement was made by Mr. Kimmo Lähdevirta, Ambassador of Finland to India, during an interactive session organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Kolkata on Tuesday. The forum will be held in collaboration with the Finnish Innovation Fund, Sitra. First time the global event will be held in continental Asia; Finland–India cooperation in sustainability gains momentum
“This marks an important milestone in Finland–India cooperation and reflects the growing partnership between our two countries in advancing sustainability, innovation, and the circular economy globally,” Mr. Lähdevirta said.
The Ambassador noted that Finland and India have maintained diplomatic relations since 1949, and over the decades have developed a strong partnership rooted in shared values and mutual interests. More than 100 Finnish companies currently operate in India, including several in West Bengal.
“Much of Finland’s cooperation with Kolkata and the wider eastern region centres on trade, business, and innovation,” he said. “Finland offers an ecosystem defined by credibility, high-quality education, clean technology, and deep expertise in sustainable systems — all of which make us a natural partner for West Bengal’s development ambitions.”
Mr. Lähdevirta highlighted Finland’s export promotion framework ‘DESIM’ — focusing on Digitalisation, Education, Sustainability, Innovation, and Mobility — as a key platform for expanding bilateral cooperation. He emphasised that Finland’s experience in building efficient circular economic systems aligns closely with India’s ambitions for sustainable infrastructure and green growth.
“Finnish expertise in clean energy, smart grids, waste-to-value, water treatment, and sustainable mobility — when combined with India’s scale and dynamism — can be truly transformative,” he said. The Ambassador also underlined growing collaboration in digitalisation and skills development, noting that Finland’s education and technology ecosystem complements India’s start-up and innovation landscape.
Both countries are members of the AI Coalition launched in France earlier this year, he added, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Turning to the regional context, Mr. Lähdevirta said, “The eastern and northeastern regions of India — including West Bengal — offer distinct advantages for Finland–India cooperation: access to ports, connectivity to Southeast Asia, agro-industry potential, renewable resources, and a skilled talent pool.”
During the session, Ms. Sanna Orava, Counsellor, Embassy of Finland, New Delhi, highlighted Finland’s position as a global leader in innovation, governance, and sustainability.
“Finland ranks first in sustainable development according to the United Nations, first in governance as per the Legatum Prosperity Index, and remains the world’s happiest and most stable nation,” she said. “The country invests around 3% of GDP in R&D, with a target of 4% by 2030, and has one of the world’s highest concentrations of researchers.”
She added that Finland’s expertise in clean energy, green hydrogen, sustainable textiles, packaging, biodegradable materials, and circular economy solutions makes it a strategic partner for India’s innovation-led growth.
Mr. Vikash Lohia, Chairman, ICC Railway Committee and Director, Jupiter Wagons Ltd, said the India–Finland partnership, anchored in frameworks such as the India-Finland Joint Commission and the Innovation Partnership (2008), has fostered collaboration in R&D, education, biotechnology, and clean energy.
“Finnish expertise has significantly contributed to India’s Smart Cities Mission, renewable energy initiatives, and digital transformation,” he said, adding that there is vast potential to expand cooperation in renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and climate-resilient solutions.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General, ICC, said that beyond global rankings and achievements, the true measure of progress lies in tangible outcomes. “India and Finland share complementary strengths, but the real test will be in translating innovation, technology, and sustainability into practical solutions that foster inclusive growth,” he said.
The interactive session underscored Finland’s growing engagement with India’s eastern region and set the stage for greater collaboration in sustainability, digitalisation, and innovation — ahead of the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 in New Delhi.