Font size:
Print
Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3)
Context:
India launched the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3) on March 3, 2025, as a multi-nation alliance aimed at fostering city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships to promote sustainable urban development.
More on News:
- PM Narendra Modi, in a special written address, emphasised India’s commitment to the Pro-Planet People (P-3) approach for sustainability.
- Highlighted the significance of the 3R principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and circular economy practices for urban sustainability.
- Expressed India’s willingness to share experiences and learnings in its transition to a circular economy.
- Proposed forming a working group of member nations to finalise the coalition’s structure and operational framework.
Background on Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum
- The Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific was launched in 2009 to promote sustainable waste management and resource efficiency.
- The forum addresses environmental challenges caused by rapid economic growth, resource depletion, and rising waste generation.
- A major milestone was the Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013-2023), which outlined 33 voluntary goals for transitioning towards a resource-efficient and circular economy.
Key Highlights of the C-3 Launch
- Objective: The forum 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 in the Asia-Pacific region.
- CITIIS 2.0 MoU Signed: A key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for CITIIS 2.0 was signed at the Jaipur launch event. This marks a significant step in advancing urban sustainability initiatives in India.
- Agreements for Sustainable Urban Development: Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, announced agreements worth ₹1,800 crore under the CITIIS 2.0 initiative.
- The initiative will benefit 18 cities across 14 states.
- These projects will serve as lighthouse models for other urban areas.
The launch of C-3 and the signing of the CITIIS 2.0 MoU mark critical steps toward achieving a sustainable and circular urban development model in the Asia-Pacific region.
What is Circular Economy?
- A circular economy aims to minimise waste and make the most of resources by reusing, repairing, and recycling.
- Unlike the traditional linear economy, which follows a ‘take, make, dispose’ model, the circular economy emphasises maintaining the value of products and materials for as long as possible.
- This approach is particularly relevant to addressing plastic pollution, which requires rethinking production and consumption systems.
