Key Impact Points:
- UNEP and Zero Waste Foundation collaborate to leverage geospatial data for sustainable waste management.
- Creation of the Zero Waste Knowledge Hub to inform data-driven policymaking.
- Partnership to launch community and youth-driven zero-waste initiatives and educational platforms globally.
Driving Sustainability with Data
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Zero Waste Foundation have launched a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing global sustainability through innovative waste management solutions. This collaboration falls under UNEP’s “Early Warning and Global Environmental Monitoring Services” initiative, addressing the triple planetary crisis—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
The Zero Waste Knowledge Hub
Central to this partnership is the establishment of the Zero Waste Knowledge Hub, integrated within the Istanbul Environment Centre. It will operate alongside the One UN Geospatial Situation Room—an open data initiative from 42 UN agencies—and the World Environment Situation Room, UNEP’s primary data platform.
The Hub will provide policymakers, urban planners, and environmental experts with real-time, high-quality geospatial data, leveraging remote sensing and Earth observation technologies.
“Timely and high-quality data are critical for driving sustainability. Through these platforms, we will ensure that geospatial data becomes a powerful tool in tackling environmental challenges,” said Alexandre Caldas, Chief of Early Warning and Data Analytics Branch at UNEP. “By working with the Zero Waste Foundation, we are strengthening our capacity to anticipate environmental risks and accelerate the transition to a circular economy.”
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Empowering Communities and Youth
A major component of the partnership involves community engagement through stakeholder consultations and youth-led zero-waste initiatives. Additionally, an online educational platform dedicated to zero-waste principles will be developed, alongside the promotion of global knowledge-sharing on best practices and successful case studies.
“Zero waste is not just a goal – it is a movement for systemic change,” said Samed Agirbas, President of the Zero Waste Foundation. “By joining forces with UNEP, we are bringing together data, education, and community action to transform waste management worldwide.”
Scalable Zero Waste Initiatives
The collaboration will actively support cities in adopting zero waste-friendly policies. Pilot projects showcasing scalable solutions will be rolled out, with plans in discussion for a dedicated funding facility aimed at accelerating investments in sustainable waste initiatives.
This initiative aligns with UNEP’s broader mission to foster a healthier planet and resilient communities by setting a new standard in waste reduction and circular economy practices.
International Day of Zero Waste
This announcement coincides with the International Day of Zero Waste, marked annually on 30 March. Established by UN General Assembly Resolution 77/161 and facilitated jointly by UNEP and UN-Habitat, the day emphasizes sustainable consumption and responsible waste management practices across product life cycles.
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