Why in News?

• Recently, the Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs announced the Coalition of Cities for Circularity (C-3) .

Key Points:

About the Coalition (C-3):

=> It is a multinational alliance for city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing and private sector partnerships for sustainable urban development .

=> It aims to support cities in the Asia-Pacific region in addressing challenges related to waste management and resource efficiency .

=> The Prime Minister of India proposed the formation of a working group of member countries to finalise the structure and operational framework of the C-3 Alliance to ensure effective implementation of the initiative.

Announcement:

=> This was announced during the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum on Asia and the Pacific in Jaipur .

=> At the inaugural ceremony held in Jaipur, a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed for CITIIS 2.0, which will mark a milestone in urban sustainability initiatives.

=> Under this initiative, agreements worth Rs 1,800 crore were announced for City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain 2.0 (CITIIS 2.0) , which will benefit 18 cities in 14 states .

12th Regional Forum Meeting:

About:

• It is a regional platform that promotes 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) principles and circular economy practices across the Asia-Pacific region.
• It brings together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and partners to advance resource efficiency strategies.

Historical Context:

• It was launched in 2009 to promote 3R principles and resource efficiency.
• The Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013-2023) set 33 voluntary goals for a resource-efficient and circular economy.

Theme:

• Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific.

Objectives:

• Discuss and agree a voluntary, non-binding “3R and Circular Economy Declaration (2025-2034)” for a resource-efficient, low-carbon, and resilient Asia-Pacific.
• Discuss and pave way towards realization of a Circular Economy Alliance Network (CEAN) towards Zero Waste Cities and Societies.
• Discuss circular economy strategies to achieve net-zero targets and SDGs.

Circular Economy:

• A circular economy is a system where materials never turn into waste and natural resources are regenerated.
• In this system, products and materials are kept in continuous circulation through processes such as maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, manufacturing, recycling, and composting.
• The aim of the circular economy is to promote economic growth free from overexploitation of limited resources .
• It proves helpful in effectively dealing with global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste management, and pollution.