IPS Contributes to Regional Dialogue on the Need to Transition to a Circular Economy

Date: 4-7 November 2025

“A circular economy is essential for South Asia and the Global South amidst rising geopolitical tensions,” noted Dr Lakmini Fernando, Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS), during a technical session on “Designing the Transition to a Circular Economy in South Asia.” The session formed part of the 28th Sustainable Development Conference (SDC) and the 16th South Asia Economic Summit (SAES), held from 4–7 November 2025 in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Recognising the region’s diversity in economic structures, resource use, and waste management practices, the discussion focused on context-specific yet collaborative approaches and explored practical frameworks for circular transformation, innovative models and technologies, and the enabling conditions required for success. These include financing, governance, and capacity building while also focusing on the integration of the informal sector and community-based solutions.

The sessions helped identify priority sectors and entry points for circular economy-interventions and explored policy instruments, business models, and research insights that support circularity. The discussions promoted multistakeholder collaboration for regional initiatives and highlight opportunities for integrating informal sector actors into formal circular systems.

The dialogue brought together policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to co-design actionable pathways for circular transformation across the region. The sessions concluded with a call to co-create a roadmap for circular transition, reinforced with innovation and inclusive collaboration.