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Maharashtra and Finland have strengthened cooperation on circular economy and waste-to-value systems, with key participation from Maharashtra Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal, IAS, MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, and Consul General of Finland Erik af Hällström. The discussions were held during a circular economy conclave hosted by MMRDA and the Consulate General of Finland in Mumbai. The engagement comes ahead of the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 in India and reflects ongoing collaboration involving Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Finnish leaders, including Ville Tavio and President Alexander Stubb, focused on sustainability, recycling and clean energy initiatives.
Maharashtra and Finland have further strengthened their partnership in circular economy and waste-to-value systems, focusing on sustainable growth, resource efficiency and climate resilience. The engagement was held during a circular economy conclave jointly organised by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), led by Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, and the Consulate General of Finland in Mumbai, represented by Consul General Erik af Hällström.
The conclave was conducted ahead of the World Circular Economy Forum 2026, scheduled to take place in India in September, and brought together policymakers, industry leaders, startups and sustainability experts from both Maharashtra and Finland. Chief Secretary of Maharashtra Rajesh Aggarwal, IAS, was among the key participants representing the state government.
The discussions were also placed in the broader context of India–Finland cooperation, which has gained momentum following the State Visit of Finnish President Alexander Stubb to India. During that visit, sustainability and digitalisation were identified as key areas of partnership. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also held discussions with Finnish Minister of Trade and Development Cooperation Ville Tavio on expanding circular economy frameworks and attracting sustainable investments.
During the conclave, Maharashtra’s ongoing policy direction was highlighted, including the upcoming circular economy policy and initiatives across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region under MMRDA leadership. The State Environment and Climate Change Department’s agreement with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages for the collection and recycling of used PET bottles was also referenced, along with the approval of the Maharashtra State Compressed Biogas (CBG) Policy, which has allocated INR 500 crore for waste-to-energy and clean fuel projects in FY 2026–27.
At earlier global platforms such as the World Economic Forum in Davos, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had also engaged in discussions with Ville Tavio on Finland’s experience in circular economy development. Finland, known for launching its National Circular Economy Roadmap in 2016, continues to be recognised as a global leader in sustainable development practices.
Addressing the conclave, Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal, IAS, stated that natural systems operate in cycles and stressed that economic development should integrate material and energy circularity. He noted that Maharashtra and Finland can jointly develop scalable solutions by combining policy strength and technical expertise.
MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, highlighted that circular economy practices have long existed in India’s traditional systems, pointing to reuse and recycling practices. He referred to informal waste management ecosystems and acknowledged the role of waste pickers and sanitation workers in maintaining urban sustainability. He also noted that infrastructure expansion under MMRDA, including metro development, is expected to reduce fuel consumption and improve public transport usage across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Consul General of Finland Erik af Hällström stated that cooperation between Finland and Maharashtra is moving beyond conventional waste management towards value creation from waste. He added that the focus is now on strengthening supply chains, improving industrial competitiveness and developing resilient urban systems.
The conclave also facilitated business-to-business and business-to-government discussions involving participants from clean technology, recycling, digital solutions, energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure sectors from both countries.
The World Circular Economy Forum 2026 will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, organised by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra along with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. It will mark the first time the global forum is hosted in Asia.
Source MMRDA
5th Jun, 2025
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