MUSCAT : The 39th edition of the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) Congress concluded yesterday, November 1, 2023, in Muscat under the theme of “Global Action Towards Net Zero’.
The event, which was hosted by Oman Environmental Services Holding Company (be’ah), attracted over 300 companies and 1000 delegates from 60 different countries.
Scientific and Technical Committee Chair at ISWA, Björn Appelqvist, stressed the importance of implementing sustainable solid waste management actions in his closing remarks. ”We all have to acknowledge that we are no longer facing a triple planetary crisis. We are in a triple planetary crisis. It's getting real, it's getting serious and we must act upon it.” According to Appelqvist, the conference demonstrated that the world has the necessary tools and technologies for this transition. Additionally, he added that various global developments support this transformation.
“Many significant developments are occurring. The United Nations General Assembly has declared a clean and healthy environment as a fundamental human right. Treaties are currently being negotiated and implemented. Alliances are forming, and financing mechanisms are falling into place. Numerous solutions have been tested and presented during this conference. Now is the time to move from talking to taking action, and it requires the active involvement of everyone.”
He emphasized with the importance of implementing a systematic approach to the change, “Now is the time to do it, but we won't get the effect of doing things in a sustainable way. And we won't get a more sustainable waste management system and a transition to a circular economy if we don't apply a systemic approach to all these actions.”
Furthermore, he stressed the need to come together to create change, “So therefore, I would like to call on each and every one of you to join us in this venture, in your professional role, in your organisations as well as you as an individual in your private life. Because at the end of the day, despite all the mechanisms, all the alliances, all the products, all tools, the tool boxes, it is not as much about waste and circular economy as it is about people coming together to create sustainable and substantial change together.”
The three-day event included over 60 breakout sessions and technical workshops, focusing on the different aspects of sustainable waste management including health and environment, climate change, resource efficiency and circular economy and technology adoption.
Additionally, the event included multiple executive panel discussions and focus sessions, award ceremony, and a parallel exhibition.
It was announced yesterday that be’ah received the ISWA 2023 Communication Award for the 'Be Mindful - Ramadan Campaign.’, which aimed to promote food waste and plastic pollution awareness during the month of Ramadhan.”
General Manager of Corporate Affairs at be’ah, Essam Yahya al Sharji, shared the following in regards to the award, "We are profoundly grateful to have been awarded the ISWA 2023 Communication Award for our 'Be Mindful - Ramadhan Campaign.'
This recognition underscores be'ah's steadfast dedication to advancing environmental awareness and responsible waste management. The campaign's success stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to forging a cleaner, more sustainable future built by mindful communities, in Oman and beyond.”
In an earlier statement, be’ah Chief Executive Officer Tariq al Amri highlighted the significance of Oman hosting the first ISWA Congress in the MENA region, "Oman's selection as the host country for the ISWA World Congress is a significant recognition of its leadership and expertise in waste management. This accolade positions Oman as a hub for waste management innovation. As the world grapples with pressing waste management challenges, Oman's efforts in hosting this congress serve as an inspiration and catalyst for positive change on a global scale."
It was announced during the conference that the 40th edition of the ISWA Congress will take place in South Africa, marking it the first in the continent.
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