Waste management will be one of the critical topics tackled at COP27, where host nation Egypt plans to put forward the Africa Waste Initiative, an initiative hoping to catalyse both adaptation and mitigation solutions and  aiming at treating and recycling 50% of the waste produced in Africa by 2050. In this press conference, civil society experts both from Africa and abroad will reflect on how the Africa Waste Initiative underscores the importance of tackling waste as a climate solution, as well as the plan’s promises and potential pitfalls– particularly when it comes to waste trade, unfair labor practices for informal recyclers, and other human rights abuses that arise from the intersection of colonialism, capitalism, and the waste industry. 

This panel will reflect on the essential ingredients needed to have a successful Africa Waste Initiative that prevents greenwashing and exploitation, and instead fosters more climate resilient, thriving local economies in the region.

Speakers 

Bubacar Jallow (The Gambia), Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Natural Resources

Rizk Yosif Hanna (Egypt), Zabaleen Waste Picker Group

Abdallah Emad (Egypt), Convener for the Local Conference of Youth Egypt, the 17th Conference of Youth for COP27 and also a convener for the GCA Youth Adaptation Forum MENA region

Ubrei-Joe (Nigeria), Environmental Advocate, Friends of the Earth Nigeria

Niven Reddy (South Africa), GAIA Africa Regional Coordinator

This event is located within the official conference venue, any person wishing to access the side event area must be duly registered as part of a delegation of a Party or an observer organization and in possession of a conference badge. The link to access the virtual platform for badge-holders will be provided here as soon as it becomes available.

Register here