30 Aug 2024 Blogpost

Event Report: Online Launch of the Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 for Youth on International Youth Day

UNEP

Event Overviewcover

The virtual launch of the Youth Summary of the Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 (GWMO) was successfully held on August 12, 2024, coinciding with International Youth Day (IYD). This significant event, hosted by UNEP's International Environment Technology Centre and the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP (CYMG), brought together youth leaders, environmental activists, and experts to discuss the waste pollution crisis and the transformative role of young people in waste management.

The launch event was designed to officially introduce the Youth Summary of the GWMO 2024. It provided an interactive platform for youth to showcase their leadership in waste management, raise awareness about the pressing issue of waste pollution, and inspire actionable solutions. A central feature of the event was a panel discussion titled "Youth Actions for Sustainable Solutions to Beat Waste Pollution," where young representatives shared their experiences and insights on leveraging technology and innovation to combat waste pollution.

Recording of the Event
The recording of the event is available here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wpy9HudVMzg

Moderated by Janna Radi Mohamed, a Translational Health Researcher and Environmental Health Activist, the discussion centered on the innovative approaches youth are employing to tackle the waste pollution crisis, including the use of digital technologies, community engagement, and policy advocacy. The event opened with remarks fromKakuko Nagatani-Yoshida, Global Coordinator of the Chemicals and Pollution Action Sub-programme at UNEP. She shared valuable insights into UNEP's ongoing efforts and the importance of youth involvement in these initiatives. From CYMG, Aseel Abo-Taleb, Thematic Facilitator of chemicals, waste and pollution, highlighted the Youth Summary's launch as a critical step in addressing waste pollution and a milestone in the collaboration between UNEP's IETC and CYMG. 

Panel Discussion

The panel discussion was a highlight of the event, featuring five dynamic youth representatives who have been actively engaged in driving innovative solutions to address waste pollution. The panelists included:

  • Gary Bencheghib: Environmental and Waste Activist, Filmmaker
  • Katrin Miyazawa: Youth Environmental Activist and Social Entrepreneur
  • Kartik Kapoor: Independent Waste Management Consultant
  • Alejandro Luque: Civil Society Regional Facilitator for LAC to UNEP

 

About the Global Waste Management Outlook 2024

The Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 (GWMO), jointly published by UNEP and the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), is a comprehensive assessment of global waste management. The report provides an analysis of municipal solid waste management data, explores different scenarios, and evaluates their impacts on society, the environment, and the economy. The Youth Summary of the GWMO 2024 aims to build the capacity and understanding of young people regarding the waste pollution crisis and its potential solutions.

The report serves as a guide for various stakeholders, including governments, municipalities, the private sector, and citizens, emphasizing the importance of collective action to tackle waste management challenges and secure a sustainable future.