Sydney, the vibrant capital of New South Wales, Australia, has officially been chosen to host the Asia Pacific Circular Economy Hotspot 2026.
The announcement was made during the Asia Pacific Circular Economy Roundtable & Hotspot 2025 (APCER & Hotspot 2025) in Taipei, where more than 500 delegates from over 50 countries gathered to share progress, insights, and strategies for advancing the global circular economy.
The 2026 event will be organized by Circular Australia, in collaboration with the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Business Events Sydney (BESydney), and a coalition of Oceania nations, reflecting a shared regional commitment to circular innovation and sustainable growth.
From Europe to Asia Pacific: Building a Global Circular Legacy
The Circular Hotspot series traces its roots back to 2016, when the inaugural event was launched in the Netherlandsunder the leadership of Holland Circular Hotspot. Since then, the initiative has grown into a worldwide movement, spotlighting how nations integrate circularity into their economies.
In Europe, events have been hosted by Luxembourg, Scotland, Belgium, Catalonia, North Rhine-Westphalia, Dublin, Wales, and most recently, Slovenia. The movement has since expanded to other continents — with editions in Lagos (Nigeria), Cape Town (South Africa), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), and across the Americas in Santiago de Chile (Chile), Guelph (Canada), Recife (Brazil), and Guadalajara (Mexico), the latter set to host the 2025 edition in November.
Following Taiwan’s pioneering role as the first Asia Pacific host, Sydney and New South Wales now take up the mantle for 2026, continuing the region’s efforts to accelerate circular transition and cross-border collaboration.
A Jury Backed by Global Expertise
The selection was made by a panel comprising representatives from previous host organizations, including Holland Circular Hotspot (2016), ACEN Nigeria Chapter (2023), Hochschule Ruhr West (North Rhine-Westphalia, 2022), and Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment alongside the Circular Taiwan Network.
The jury expressed full confidence in Circular Australia and its partners, highlighting their strong networks, proven leadership, and commitment to advancing circular practices. They commended the Australian consortium’s ambition to integrate First Nations knowledge and to expand circular economy initiatives across the Asia Pacific and Oceaniaregions.
A Shared Vision for the Asia Pacific and Oceania
The 2026 Asia Pacific Circular Hotspot aims to serve as a unifying platform for governments, businesses, and communities across the region — connecting Pacific Island nations with Asia to strengthen the link between circular economy and climate action.
The program will also address urgent waste management and resource recovery challenges, emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration.
“We are deeply honoured to welcome the Asia Pacific community to Sydney in 2026,” said Lisa McLean, CEO of Circular Australia. “Our goal is to build lasting partnerships and drive tangible circular outcomes. A thriving circular economy across Asia, Australia, and Oceania will be key to securing a safer, more sustainable future for all — one that tackles waste, pollution, and climate impacts head-on.”
Looking Ahead: A Truly Global Circular Network
The announcement marks a milestone moment in the circular movement’s expansion across continents. In 2026, Circular Hotspot events will take place not only in Sydney (Asia Pacific), but also in Budapest, Hungary (Europe), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Middle East), and Gaborone, Botswana (Africa) — underlining the initiative’s growing global reach.
The next stop on this journey will be Guadalajara, Mexico, on November 5–6, 2025, where global delegates will once again gather to exchange knowledge and select the host cities for the Americas edition in 2026.
As the circular movement continues to expand, Sydney’s 2026 Hotspot is expected to serve as a catalyst for new ideas, stronger regional collaboration, and a shared vision of a regenerative economy that benefits people, businesses, and the planet.