Implementation Lab | Changing the paradigm: Harnessing multiple benefits from reducing and valorizing waste

Waste is a growing burden that is increasingly difficult to tackle. Annual waste generation is expected to increase by 73% from 2020 levels to 3.88 billion tonnes in 2050. More than 90% of waste in low-income countries is often disposed of in unregulated dumps or openly burned (World Bank). This Implementation Lab will address proven solutions to improve waste management practices that will reduce emissions from the sector and lead to cleaner, more sustainable cities: organic waste diversion and open waste burning prevention.

Agenda

Opening Remarks

Bogolo Kenewendo, UN High-Level Champion’s Special Advisor, Africa Director 

Vision for 2030 – transformative action in the waste sector

Martina Otto, Head of Climate and Clean Air Coalition Secretariat  

Moderated panel discussion

Key questions to be addressed: 

1. How can we transform the waste sector to achieve mitigation by 2030 as well as meet adaptation and resilience goals?  
2. What are the actions that need to happen to accelerate organic waste diversion, resource recovery and phasing out of open burning of waste?  
3. How can we achieve social and economic benefits by reducing and valorizing waste? 

Panelists: 

• Moderator: Andriannah Mbandi, Engineering X, Royal Academy of Engineering  
• Dr. Nagwa El Karawy, Focal Point of COP27 Global 50 by 2050 Waste Initiative, Ministry of Environment, Egypt  
• Joshua Amponsem, World Climate Ambassador and Facilitator, Founder of Green Africa Youth Organization  
• Luyanda Hlatshwayo, Reclaimer with Africa Reclaimers Organisation (ARO) and representative of the International Alliance of Waste Pickers 
• Erika Rosenthal, Senior Attorney, Earthjustice   
• Marcelo Mena, CEO, Global Methane Hub (GMH)  
• Gareth Phillips, Climate and Environmental Finance Expert, African Development Bank 
• Stephen Hammer, Advisor, Global Climate Policy and Strategy World Bank -- Climate Change Group   

Next steps and closing remarks

Kobie Brand, Deputy Secretary General, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability and Regional Director, ICLEI Africa Secretariat