Cities Coalition for Circularity(C-3) - UPSC Current Affairs 2025

Recently, the 12^th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific was inaugurated in Jaipur.
Theme: Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific.
Organized by: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (India), United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD), and Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES).
The last Forum was hosted in 2023 by Cambodia. India has previously hosted the Forum in 2018, when the 8^th edition was held in Indore.

On this occasion, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs announced the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3), a multi-nation alliance for city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships.
This is expected to revolutionize city-to-city partnerships globally, acting as a catalyst for resource efficiency and a low-carbon economy, while strengthening collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers for a sustainable future.

On this occasion, Prime Minister highlighted the role of 3R (reduce, reuse and recycle) and Circular Economy principles in ensuring sustainable urban development and resource efficiency.
A significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for CITIIS 2.0 was also signed during the launch event in Jaipur, marking an important milestone in urban sustainability efforts.
Under CITIIS 2.0, agreements totaling ₹1,800 crores will be signed, benefiting 18 cities across 14 states, and serving as model projects for other urban areas.
Jaipur Declaration (2025-2034): The Union Minister announced that the forum will adopt the Jaipur Declaration (2025-2034), a non-political, non-binding commitment that will guide the next decade of efforts towards resource efficiency and sustainable urban growth.

Inauguration of the 3R India Pavilion:
As part of the forum, the 3R India Pavilion was jointly inaugurated by Union Minister and Chief Minister of Rajasthan.
The pavilion showcases the International 3R Trade and Technology Exhibition, featuring innovative waste management and circular economy solutions from 40 Indian and Japanese businesses and start-ups.

The Regional 3R Forum in Asia was established in 2009 at Japan’s initiative as a platform for fostering cooperation on promoting the 3Rs – reduce, reuse, and recycle – across Asia.

A key milestone was the adoption of the Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013-2023), which set forth 33 voluntary goals aimed at transitioning to a more resource-efficient and circular economy.