The rapid urbanization of the global population, with over 4.4 billion people currently residing in cities, has intensified challenges related to waste management. As cities expand, the generation of municipal wastewater, solid waste (both organic and inorganic fractions), and greenhouse gas emissions increases significantly.

Recent studies highlight that while solid waste scales linearly with population growth, wastewater production increases at a superlinear rate, and emissions grow sublinearly. For example, Municipal solid waste generation is predicted to grow from 2.1 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050 (UNEP, 2014). It is also estimated that, globally, over 80% of all wastewaters produced is discharged into the environment without adequate treatment although the level varies across different regions. The complexity of these challenges, which involve multiple dimensions of pollution beyond GHG emissions, requires innovative solutions that promote circular economy actions at the local level with global support.

A transformative approach, involving a shift from unsustainable consumption and production patterns towards a circular economy across the various fractions of solid waste and water management, is essential. International organizations, by fostering cooperation with Local and Regional Governments (LRGs), can play a critical role in supporting cities to achieve water and solid waste management and material recovery goals that contributes to local socio-economic development and aligns with global sustainability objectives (SDG 6, 11, 12 and 14).

Objectives

The webinar aims to:

1. Facilitate cooperation: Explore how international organizations can support local waste management efforts through knowledge sharing, capacity building, and funding.
2. Showcase best practices: Present successful case studies of waste reuse, repurposing, recycling, upcycling and reduction from cities around the world.
3. Encourage policy innovation: Discuss policy frameworks that integrate circular economy principles into urban planning and waste management.

Thematic areas

1. Solid waste management (including plastic)

Growing incomes and consumption lead to increased municipal solid waste, particularly plastics and organic waste, which can have long-lasting environmental impacts if mismanaged. Changing the production and consumption mindset would save the municipality on operational costs to be redirected towards essential public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

2. Wastewater management

As cities grow, wastewater production increases faster than population growth, stressing existing infrastructure and leading to pollution of water bodies. Implementing decentralized filtering and wastewater treatment systems requires significant resources. It might bring new trade in services providers and increase employment opportunities, which can help reduce unemployment and boost the local economy.

3. Greenhouse gas emissions

Urban areas are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, although the increase in emissions is slower than population growth. Better energy and materials efficiency – adapting clean technologies, enhancing public transportation – improves public health and the quality of life for residents, especially in marginalized communities, and enhances overall workforce productivity.

4. Solid waste treatment and reuse

Efficient recycling and reuse systems are essential for reducing the overall waste burden, including plastics. However, scaling these systems in large urban settings is complex and expensive. Developing circular economy strategies support the development of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), drives innovation, and increases economic resilience within urban areas.

Role of International Organizations

International organizations, such as UN Trade and Development, UN-Habitat, UNDP, UNEP and the World Bank are pivotal in assisting cities to achieve sustainable waste management goals. Their roles include:

1. Knowledge sharing: Creating platforms for LRGs to exchange experiences, challenges, and solutions in waste management, fostering a global community of practice.
2. Policy support: Assisting in the development of national and local policies that align with global sustainability goals and promote waste reduction, recycling, and reuse.
3. Capacity building: Providing training and resources to local authorities and stakeholders on best practices in waste management and circular economy.
4. Funding and investments: Facilitating access to international funds for infrastructure development, technology adoption, and innovative waste management projects.

Expected outcomes

1. Identification of practical strategies and solutions for effective urban waste management.
2. Strengthened collaboration between local governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders.
3. Actionable recommendations for integrating circular economy principles into urban waste management.

Tentative Programme 

Panelists:

• Mr. Graham Alabaster, Head of UN Habitat Geneva Office
• Ms. Mona Mohammed, Programme Manager at the Life Cycle Initiative and Cities and Buildings Unit, Climate Change Division, UNEP
• Mr. David Vivas Eugui, Chief of Section, Ocean and Circular Economy, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
• Mr. Henrique Pacini, Economic Affairs Officer, Trade, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, UN Trade and Development, (UNCTAD)
• Mr. Victor Neequaye Kotey is the Deputy Director of the Waste Management Department of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly

Moderator:

• Mr. Andras Szorenyi, Senior Policy Advisor, Global Cities Hub