A Coordinated Approach Toward Waste Disposal in Cities

Our cities are growing which leads to an increase in activity at an extremely rapid pace. By 2050, 60% of the world population, about 5 billion people, will reside in cities. With the increase of inhabitants in cities, our waste production has increased to about 4 billion tons of waste each year (not including waste by-products from agriculture and construction). As cities grow and activity increases, waste production is multiplying at a rapid rate. By the middle of this century, our world population will reach a total of about 9 billion people which is why it is vital for us to focus on preserving resources and finding a way to sustainably reduce our waste production. In general, effective waste management by sorting and recycling is essential to ensure an equal balance of resources and to reduce our carbon footprint on the natural environment. Without the implementation of effective waste management systems in urban environments, there is bound to be an increase in waste pollution in the soil, streams, and air; which is extremely detrimental to the health of the citizens. The development of sustainable cities is threatened in areas where the central and local governments are not willing to enforce effective waste management. Alternative solutions are suggested and implemented by citizens who form organizations to take on the problematic task of waste management. Examples of these solutions are implemented by various associations of women’s organizations in Africa. The cities of tomorrow face the challenge of sustainable waste management to ensure the safety and health of the world’s residents, involving everyone from responsible stakeholders to local residents.
1-The aim of this side-event is to reflect on the management of initiatives, sorting and reusing waste, reducing costs, and generalizing the initiatives in all cities to appeal to the health of citizens, the environment, and the preservation of arable land.
2-Utilizing the best local initiatives and the latest technological innovations, this side-event aims to integrate the willingness of politicians, businesses, and citizens to work together to cultivate solutions for problematic urban waste and pollution.
3-This side-event aims to redefine the relationship amongst the actors contributing to urban waste management in a way that optimizes the existing means. The preservation and transformation of organizations and informal sectors is necessary in order to preserve employment and  incorporate the involvement of the population in conquering sustainable waste disposal.