• Overview
  • Description of the event
  • Agenda
  • Presentations

The South-East European Platform to beat Pollution (SEEPP) established in 2019, with the support of the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, is a key effort to implement in a sub-regional context the ambitions of the Third Environmental Assembly (UNEA-3) Ministerial Declaration Towards a Pollution-Free Planet and the subsequent implementation plan that aims to accelerate global action to transition towards a pollution-free planet. 

To present the Platform’s work plan for 2024 and beyond, an event will be organized in Vienna on 26 and 27th of March 2024, which includes the observance of the International Day of Zero Waste 2024. 

The International Day of Zero Waste, proclaimed by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on 30 March, aims to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, support the societal shift towards circularity and raise awareness about how zero-waste initiatives contribute to the advancement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  

The waste sector contributes significantly to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity and nature loss, and pollution. Humanity generates an estimated 2.24 billion tons of municipal solid waste annually, of which only 55 per cent is managed in controlled facilities. Every year, around 931 million tons of food is lost or wasted and up to 14 million tons of plastic waste enters aquatic ecosystems.  

Objective: UNEP will facilitate the observance of the International Day of Zero Waste 2024 by bringing together policymakers, industry experts, international community, academics, and researchers to collaborate and exchange knowledge on sustainable waste and pollution management at the “Confronting Waste Pollution Challenges in the Western Balkans Conference.” 

The Conference aims to facilitate and foster discussions on current and innovative strategies, possibilities, policies and practices that promote waste prevention, reduction, recycling, and circular economy principles to create a cleaner and healthier environment in the Western Balkan economies. Additionally, it will actively encourage collaboration amongst different actors and sectors, aiming to promote sustainable practices and the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies. 

Cross-border collaboration plays a pivotal role in the initiative, as it seeks to explore opportunities for cooperation in waste management across borders. By fostering regional partnerships and collaboration between neighboring countries, the initiative aims to develop joint strategies, share resources, and collectively address the shared environmental challenges prevalent in the region. 

Main output of the conference: an action plan for partnerships and proposals for concrete regional and local actions to address waste and pollution issues. 

Title: South-East Europe Pollution Platform: Western Balkans Regional Waste conference  Outcomes: 

  • Present work plan for 2024 of the South-East European Platform to beat Pollution (SEEPP). 

  • Kicking off the SEEPP soil contamination project in BiH and Serbia. 

  • Harmonizing / streamlining global and regional plastic agenda. 

  • Action plan for partnerships and proposals for concrete regional and local actions. 

  • Concept notes addressing waste and pollution issues.

Location:

Duration: Two days event

Target group: UNEP, UN Agencies, representatives of the Western Balkans governments…

Topics: Sustainability; Waste & Recycling; Plastics treaty; Circular Economy 

Introductory session:

1- Global Waste Management Outlook 2024: https://wedocs.unep.org/20.500.11822/45333

2- UNEP Chemicals and Pollution Action and Activities in the Western Balkans:  https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/45334

Session 1- Contaminated sites: 

1- Project “Strengthen the Capacity in the Management of Contaminated Sites in the Western Balkans”: https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/45335

2- Creating an Enabling Environment to Support LDN Target Implementation Through Strengthening Capacities and Establishing an LDN Monitoring and Reporting System in Bosnia and Herzegovina: https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/45336

3- GEF - Enhanced Cross-sectoral Land Management through Land Use Pressure Reduction and Planning in Serbia: https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/45337

4- Macedonian HCH remediation project: https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/45338

Session 2 - Plastic: 1- Negotiating a Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution Update on the INC Process: https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/45339

2- Regional Action Plan for the Implementation of the Joint Statement on Preventing Plastic Pollution, Including Marine Litter: https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/45340

3- UNEP/MAP Barcelona Convention: Latest Assessments and Recent Legal Instruments Regarding Waste Management Including Marine Litter: https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/45341

4- Policy Guidance on Tackling Riverine Plastic Pollution in the Danube River Basin: https://wedocs.unep.org/20.500.11822/45342

Session 3: Waste impact sector

1- Regional E-waste Monitor for the Western Balkans - South-East Europe Pollution Platform: Western Balkans Regional Waste: conference - Session 3 – Pollution Challenges from Hazardous Waste in Selected high Impact Sector: https://wedocs.unep.org/20.500.11822/45343

2- Overview of High Impact Sectors: Metals and Minerals Textiles: https://wedocs.unep.org/20.500.11822/45344

3- Wasted Air Impact of Landfill Fires on Air Pollution and People's Health in Serbia - Working Paper: https://wedocs.unep.org/20.500.11822/45348

4- Overview of National Information Regarding Chemical Safety, Environmental Protection and Land: https://wedocs.unep.org/20.500.11822/45347

5- Overview of Actual Activities and Needs in the Sector of Waste, Chemicals and Air Pollution: https://wedocs.unep.org/20.500.11822/45346

6- Overview of the Textile Sector in the Western Balkans: https://wedocs.unep.org/20.500.11822/45345