Local authorities, municipalities, cities, and central governments play pivotal roles for waste management. Municipal waste management is a service of general interest; thus, all citizens should have equal access to waste management.

This side event will support the aspiration to a systematic change in waste management practices in developing countries towards zero-pollution and zero-waste societies to achieve a healthy planet and prosperity of all. We also aim to mobilize partnerships to support the achievement of this goal. 

The side event will bring together Mayors of several cities and representatives of international and local organizations active on municipal waste management to discuss the issues faced, outline solutions, and forge new partnerships to tackle the issue.

Dr. Mary Matthews, Ocean Advisor and Manager of the Ocean Innovation Challenge presented adelphi and ZeroWaste Maldives, OneSea and Duke University's innovative solutions to reduce plastic waste and marine litter.