Proper solid waste management (SWM) contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Poorly managed waste is contaminating the world’s oceans, clogging drains and causing flooding, transmitting diseases via breeding of vectors, increasing respiratory problems through airborne particles from burning of waste, harming animals that consume waste unknowingly, and affecting economic development such as through diminished tourism. Unmanaged and improperly managed waste from decades of economic growth requires urgent action at all levels of society.
The World Bank Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC) is organizing the first regional Technical Deep Dive (TDD) outside Japan. This TDD will take place in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire May 27-31, and will focus on “back-to-basics” approaches in SWM. It will help address the operational needs and challenges of design and implementation of waste operations in supported under WB projects in the Africa and Middle East regions. Approximately 60 participants, from 11 client countries and World Bank staff will participate in this TDD.
This TDD aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of requirements for successfully operated waste management and financially sustainable systems. For the five-day event, experts from multiple counties including Japan will be providing cutting edge policy thinking and technical knowledge. Fukuoka-city, a partner of City Partnership Program (CPP) of TDLC, will introduce the city’s experience on SWM and international cooperation. Experts from JICA and UN Habitat are also joining to share their experiences on solid waste management. The Ambassador of Japan in Cote d’Ivoire is expected to open the knowledge exchange program.