1 Jul 2020
The Global Environmental Centre Foundation (GEC) conducted activities under the FY2019 Project for Collaboration with the UNEP-IETC, commissioned by the City of Osaka. We also implemented projects commissioned by UNEP-IETC, including those related to the Programme for Holistic Waste Management at the National/Municipal Level and the Mercury Waste Management programme.
(1) Support for Organisation of Technology Solutions for Holistic Waste Management: A Global Dialogue with the Private Sector
On 20-23 May 2019, UNEP-IETC organised the “Technology Solutions for Holistic Waste Management: A Global Dialogue with the Private Sector” with the City of Osaka and GEC. With the objective of facilitating the “transfer of environmentally sound technologies suited to solving waste management issues in developing countries,” one of IETC’s mandates, three sessions were held with the themes of: strategy for private companies to create business value with technology; the role of international organisations in technology transfer; and public-private partnerships and partnerships with developing countries, including international organisations. GEF provided support for the management of those sessions.
Official name: Technology Solutions for Holistic Waste Management: A Global Dialogue with the Private Sector
Date: 20-23 May 2019
Organiser: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Co-organisers: City of Osaka, GEC
Sponsors: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Environment
Support: Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau; Osaka Water & Environment Solutions
Languages: English, Japanese
Over 250 participants from the UN and other international organisations, central and local governments, private companies and civil society who gathered at this open symposium shared information and actively discussed the current issues, challenges and actions regarding plastic waste in Japan and overseas, as well as measures for preventing marine plastic pollution. The Symposium was a resounding success, sending a message on behalf of UNEP to the G20 summit in Osaka slated for June.
(2) Learning Circularity from Penang, Malaysia – Knowledge-share from Penang’s Experiences and Side Event to Seventh Asia Pacific Urban Forum (APUF7) (Penang, Malaysia)
GEC organised a training session on a wide range of good practices in waste management implemented in Penang and hosted a Training Session to Learn about the Circular Economy as a side event to APUF7, a forum jointly organised by UNESCAP UN Habitat and the Penang State Government. GEC was involved in the planning and management of the training sessions.
A total of 61 trainees participated in the three-day training sessions held in Penang, including nine municipal officers in charge of waste management from Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. The project helped reinforce the presence of UNEP, the City of Osaka and GEC and further enhance collaboration with partner municipalities.
Training session name: Learning Circularity from Penang, Malaysia – Knowledge-share from Penang’s Experiences
Meeting name: APUF7 Side Event – Training Session to Learn about the Circular Economy
Date: 14-16 October 2019
Organisers: UNEP, City of Osaka, GEC, Penang State Government, Penang Green Council
Venue: Cititel Penang (14 October), Setia SPICE Convention Centre (15 October), etc.
Language: English
(3) Survey on Environmental Needs in Developing Countries
Continuing from the previous year, we conducted surveys on environmental needs in Mumbai, India (Maharashtra Province). Our activities included participating in local events and meetings to identify emerging needs for environmental support and building partnerships with local government agencies and private businesses.
First survey in India: 22-24 July
We conducted interviews on possible city-to-city cooperation projects between the local government and the City of Osaka. Supported by strong interest from both the municipal government of Mumbai and the provincial government of Maharashtra, we reached an agreement on cooperation for developing concrete projects going forward.
Second survey in India: 18-25 November
Along with representatives from the Environment and Port Departments, City of Osaka, and Osaka Port Corporation, we participated in the annual India Supply Chain Conference to present relevant initiatives and technologies of each party, thus helping to extend our local network. We also succeeded in obtaining a basic agreement on signing a memorandum of understanding between Environment Bureau, Osaka City and Pollution Control Board, Maharashtra Government on an environmental partnership project.
(4) Organisation and Management of SDG Stakeholders Meeting
In a bid to promote the initiatives undertaken by various stakeholders working on the SDGs through interaction, collaboration and national/international communication, we organised two Stakeholders Meetings with the participation of UNEP-IETC, Japanese national and local governments, NGOs and cooperating organisations.
Participants in the meeting exchanged views on the synergies of stakeholder collaboration and the possibility of extension overseas, building on cases of plastic waste upcycling by citizens and businesses selected from among applicants, as well as Plastic Smart initiatives.
First Stakeholders Meeting
Date: Wednesday, 30 October
Venue: Training Room, 2F UNEP-IETC Office
Attendees: UNEP-IETC, JICA Kansai, Naniwa Eco-Conference, Ecofriend Co. Ltd., Daiei Kankyo Co. Ltd., Osaka Prefecture, City of Osaka, GEC
Second Stakeholders Meeting
Date: Monday, 2 March
Venue: Training Room, 2F UNEP-IETC Office
Attendees: UNEP-IETC, Ministry of Environment, JICA Kansai, Secretariat of Kansai SDGs Platform, Naniwa Eco-Conference, Ecofriend Co. Ltd., Daiei Kankyo Co. Ltd., FP Corporation, Kaneka Corporation, Osaka Prefecture, City of Osaka, GEC
(5) PR/Outreach Activities for IETC
We participated in environmental events to present IETC’s projects and provide relevant information. We also engaged in the following activities to support public relations and promote project outreach.
Participation in environmental events overseas
Participation in community-based environmental activities in Osaka
Other activities
We supported the management of meetings for the following two UNEP programmes on which IETC focused.
(1) Programme for Holistic Waste Management at the National/Municipal Level (implemented in connection with the programme commissioned by the City of Osaka mentioned above)
(2) Mercury Waste Management Programme
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