Technology Solutions for Holistic Waste Management - A Global Dialogue with the Private Sector

BACKGROUND

The 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015, recognizes the need for a revitalized Global Partnership to ensure its implementation, bringing together governments and the private sector. In 2016, the UN Environment Assembly adopted resolution 2/5 on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda which sets out parameters to revitalize UN Environment’s work with the private sector. UN Environment’s approach has evolved to reflect this call to enhance business engagement for sustainable development and ambitions of the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in terms of collaboration with the private sector. 

The vision of UN Environment IETC is for countries to implement sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, with focus on holistic waste management. In order to realize this vision, IETC provides technical and advisory support to national and local governments to enhance their use of environmentally sound strategies and approaches. IETC also implements in-country demonstration projects using innovative waste prevention and waste management methods and technologies to reduce the impact of climate change, increase resilience, create jobs and improve human well-being. In addition to governments, IETC works with academia, civil society and the private sector. 

The G20 Summit will be hosted by Osaka City in June 2019, which will be preceded by a Ministerial Meeting on Energy Transitions and Global Environment for Sustainable Growth during 15-16 June 2019.  The participating G20 nations represent 80% of global gross domestic product.  Addressing marine litter is one of the highest priorities for the Japanese Government. This is in line with UN Environment’s work on oceans and seas, and holistic waste management, which IETC is pleased to support.