Zero Waste Futures: Youth Leadership and Solutions from the Asia Pacific to the Caribbean

Organizers: UNEP (Caribbean Sub-Regional Office and International Environment Technology Centre), Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP (CYMG)

Join us as we observe the second International Day of Zero Waste, emphasizing youth leadership and innovative solutions from the Asia Pacific to the Caribbean. In December 2022, the United Nations General Assembly designated 30th March as the International Day of Zero Waste, recognizing the critical need for global action on waste reduction and sustainable practices.

This year, UNEP's Caribbean Sub-Regional Office (under the EU-funded project in collaboration with CARIFORUM Zero Waste in the Caribbean: New Ways, New Waves), International Environment Technology Centre, and Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP co-organized an online event aimed at promoting zero waste initiatives and inspiring youth engagement.

Through engaging sessions led by expert speakers and youth representatives from diverse regions, attendees gained insights into the global waste management landscape, learned about impactful initiatives, and discovered actionable steps towards a circular economy. With a focus on collaboration and collective action, this event served as a platform for fostering dialogue, inspiring change, and catalyzing a global shift towards zero waste.

Moderator: Mario Galbert (CYMG)

Speakers:
Zoë Lenkiewic | Lead Author of GWMO2024
Aditi Ramola | Technical Director, International Solid Waste Association
Shanta King | Regional Project Coordinator, UNEP
Maria Hughes | Associate Programme Management Officer, UNEP
Mathias Charles | Lebanon | Live Love Recycle
Nobuhle Zulu | South Africa | Captain Fanplastic
Nav Agarwal | India | One Step Greener
Rabeb Aloui | Tunisia | Environmental Journalist

Agenda:
Welcome & Opening Remarks 0:00-14:36
- Jacqueline Alvarez
- Vincent Sweeney
Session 1: Overview of Zero Waste Initiatives
- Overview of the Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 by Zoë Lenkiewic (video recorded) / Aditi Ramola 14:36-22:55
- Caribbean Region: “Zero Waste in the Caribbean: New Ways, New Waves” Project by Shanta King 22:55-40:20
- Asia and the Pacific Region: Overview of Zero Waste Initiatives by Maria Hughes 40:20-54:17
- Q&A 54:17-1:04:28
Session 2: Youth Leading the Charge: Towards Zero Waste (By CYMG)
- Overview and Introduction of the session
- A panel discussion featuring youth representatives from various regions