Global Dialogue & Youth Day: Circular Economy Model of Waste Management

The UNEP Global Dialogue & Youth Day: Circular Economy Model of Waste Management, co-organized by UNEP-IETC, the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), and the Global Environment Centre (GEC), convened key stakeholders from around the world to discuss innovative strategies for advancing circular waste management. The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academia, civil society and youth representatives to exchange knowledge, share best practices and develop actionable solutions for advancing a circular economy model of waste management.

Background

As waste management remains a pressing global challenge, this high-level biennial dialogue provided a critical platform to explore practical strategies across the entire lifecycle of materials - from production and consumption to disposal and resource recovery. Hosted at the UNEP-IETC Office in Osaka, Japan, the dialogue focused on four thematic sessions, including:

• Session 1 - Waste Management as a component of closed-loop systems
• Session 2 - Informal sector integration and gender mainstreaming in the waste sector as part of the circular economy transition
• Session 3 - Public-private partnerships and EPR schemes as catalysts for better waste management
• Session 4 - Waste management policies and circular economy

The final day of the event, Youth Day, was co-organized with the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP to amplify the role of young leaders in the transition to a zero-waste and circular economy.

Intent

The Global Dialogue aimed to identify practical solutions, foster collaboration and advance global commitments toward a circular economy. Through expert-led discussions, case studies and policy recommendations, participants worked toward strengthening waste management policies and accelerating circular economy models at local, national, and global levels.

The purpose of Youth Day was to empower young leaders to contribute to global waste management and circular economy policies by drafting the Global Youth Declaration on the Circular Economy Model of Waste Management. This declaration aimed to identify youth priorities, build capacity and integrate diverse perspectives from youth-led organizations worldwide, serving as a roadmap for sustainable change. Additionally, the policy paper resulting from this declaration will be shared with policymakers, practitioners and experts to ensure that youth-driven insights shape actionable strategies for a sustainable and circular economy at national and global levels.

Summary

Day 01

Opening Session

Remarks from UNEP-IETC, the Government of Japan, and the Osaka City Government set the stage for discussions on the circular economy model of waste management, emphasizing multi-stakeholder collaboration and global cooperation.

Session 1: Waste Management as a Component of Closed-Loop Systems

Speakers from Brazil, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, ASEAN, and Orora Group emphasized the need to transition from landfills to circular systems. Key takeaways included the role of AI in improving waste sorting, reducing plastic consumption and fostering international cooperation for sustainable waste solutions.

Session 2: Informal sector integration and gender mainstreaming in the waste sector as part of the circular economy transition

Discussions highlighted the contributions of informal waste workers, particularly women, in circular economy transitions. Case studies from India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Kenya, Youth group and Uruguay demonstrated the impact of inclusive waste management policies, financial inclusion, and gender-responsive approaches in improving social and economic outcomes.

Day 02

Session 3: Public-private partnerships and EPR schemes as catalysts for better waste management

Experts from Uruguay, South Korea, Japan, and Kazakhstan shared insights on corporate responsibility, financial incentives for recycling and regulatory transparency. The session underscored the role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and public-private partnerships (PPPs) in improving waste infrastructure and driving circular economy adoption.

Session 4: Waste Management Policies & Circular Economy

The final thematic session focused on national and regional policies, emphasizing the importance of regulatory frameworks, financing mechanisms and technology-driven solutions for sustainable waste management. The session strengthened the need for cross-sector collaboration and long-term investment in circular economy initiatives.

Closing Session

Mr. Shinji Shimojo (GEC) emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building in advancing circular waste management, reaffirming GEC’s support for national and local initiatives. Mr. Premakumara Jagath Dickella Gamaralalage (IGES-CCET) highlighted the role of integrated waste management approaches and informal workers, stressing the need for cross-border cooperation and replicating best practices. Mr. Takehiro Nakamura (UNEP-IETC) provided final remarks, summarizing key takeaways, including policy frameworks, EPR schemes, and lifecycle approaches to waste management, while reaffirming UNEP-IETC’s commitment to global waste management efforts and environmental innovation.

Day 03 - Youth Day

Driving Change: Youth Leadership in the Circular Economy and Zero Waste

Youth representatives engaged in workshops, networking, and policy discussions, culminating in the Global Youth Declaration on the Circular Economy Model of Waste Management. A key outcome of Youth Day was the drafting of the Global Youth Declaration on the Circular Economy Model of Waste Management, outlining youth priorities and solutions for sustainable waste management. This declaration will be presented at the next United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) to ensure youth-driven insights contribute to global waste and pollution governance efforts.

The UNEP Global Dialogue & Youth Day concluded with a shared commitment to accelerating circular economy initiatives, fostering international cooperation, and mobilizing investments for sustainable waste management. Moving forward, UNEP-IETC and its partners will work to translate these discussions into concrete actions, ensuring long-term impact and policy integration in the global shift towards a circular economy.