Kathmandu, March 29 - In a significant step toward tackling the global waste crisis, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste has announced 20 cities worldwide as part of its inaugural “Cities Towards Zero Waste” initiative, just days ahead of the International Day of Zero Waste observed annually on March 30.
The initiative, supported by UN-Habitat and the United Nations Environment Programme, recognizes cities demonstrating practical and innovative approaches to reducing waste while advancing circular economy systems and inclusive urban development.
Cities Leading the Transition
The selected cities span multiple continents, reflecting a diverse yet unified commitment to sustainable waste management. These include Accra, Bologna, Chefchaouen, Dar es Salaam, Dehiwala City, Florianópolis, Gaziantep, George Town, Hangzhou, Iloilo City, Kisumu, Kuala Lumpur, Lilongwe, San Fernando, San Francisco, Sanya, Suzhou, Varkala, Yokohama, and Zapopan.
Despite varying levels of infrastructure and economic development, these cities share a common focus: turning policy ambition into real-world implementation.
From Policy to Practice
According to the UN, the world generates over 2.1 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste each year, placing cities at the center of global efforts to address pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
The selected cities are actively implementing solutions such as:
Food waste prevention and composting systems
Reuse and refill models to reduce single-use plastics
Inclusive recycling initiatives supporting informal waste workers
Policies targeting reduction of disposable products
Community-driven awareness and behaviour change programmes
These approaches highlight a shift from traditional waste management to a circular economy, where resources are reused and waste generation is minimized.
Global Leaders Emphasize Local Action
Speaking on the initiative, José Manuel Moller, Deputy Chair of the Advisory Board, stressed that the selected cities stand out not for planning alone but for implementation. He noted that their success lies in applying practical solutions such as waste segregation, composting, and citizen engagement.
Meanwhile, Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, highlighted that waste solutions also represent economic opportunities rooted in innovation and equity. She pointed to successful examples such as strong producer responsibility systems in San Francisco and Suzhou, refill systems in Bologna, and inclusive recycling models in Kuala Lumpur and Zapopan.
Anacláudia Rosbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, emphasized that cities are at the frontline of this transformation, shaping consumption patterns and integrating communities, particularly informal workers, into sustainable systems.
Advancing Global Sustainability Goals
The initiative directly contributes to key global frameworks, including:
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13: Climate Action
As urban populations continue to rise, the recognition of these 20 cities underscores the critical role of local governments in driving environmental change from the ground up.
A Model for Cities Worldwide
The “Cities Towards Zero Waste” initiative aims not only to recognize leadership but also to foster knowledge exchange and inspire replication globally. By showcasing real, scalable solutions, the UN hopes more cities will accelerate their transition toward sustainable, circular systems.
For countries like Nepal, where urban waste management remains a growing challenge, the initiative offers valuable lessons in community engagement, policy innovation, and inclusive practices that could be adapted locally.
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