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The event featured sessions on regional collaboration, intergovernmental negotiations, and innovative approaches to plastic waste management. Key highlights included a high-level opening plenary, insightful keynote presentations, panel discussions, and the launch of an exhibition showcasing innovations from the Ending Plastic Pollution Innovation Challenge (EPPIC) and other regional contributors. The conference provided a platform for ASEAN Member States to share knowledge, experiences, and strategies to address plastic pollution, fostering collaboration among innovators, businesses, governments, NGOs, and citizens.
During the panel discussion on pioneering the paradigm shift to phase out plastic pollution, experts shared insights on how to act and innovate in challenging and competitive environments. Mr. Pham Van Hieu, Team Lead at Viet Nam Environmental and Marine Science Institute, along with Mr. Michael Fink, Country Director of Swisscontact, discussed strategies and innovations. Ms. Souksaveuy Keotiamchanh, Founder of Zero Waste Laos, highlighted local initiatives, while the Director and Co-founder of Patihoub company, Ms. Viengvilay Phimmasone, provided a business perspective. Moderated by Mr. Nac Mi, Project Technical Officer at UNDP Cambodia, the session focused on lessons learned, best practices, and the importance of collaboration to combat plastic pollution effectively.
This session with keynote presentation by Ms. Dyan Barutzki, Senior Environmental Advisor, and panel discussion moderated by Michael Fink, on promoting a circular economy toward better work conditions for informal waste workers (IWW) highlighted the increasing priority of municipal solid waste management in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, driven by rapid economic growth and urbanisation. Informal waste pickers play a crucial yet often unrecognised role in this effort by significantly reducing landfill waste and increasing the volume of recyclables reaching the recycling value chain. Despite their contributions, these workers face challenges such as inadequate policy support, financial insecurity, and limited infrastructure development.
The keynote presentation by Swisscontact highlighted the “Waste to Value” project aimed at improving the livelihoods of informal waste workers in Vientiane. The project, co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and other donors, targets service sector SMEs and IWW. The presentation detailed the significant role of IWWs in waste management, their challenges, and Swisscontact’s two-step approach: tailored capacity building and improved links to waste generators and buyers. It featured key groups within the informal waste sector, including mobile waste pickers and those working at the KM32 Landfill, who deal with more contaminated waste and face greater marginalisation. A major highlight was the undervalued contribution of IWWs in diverting recyclables from landfills by 50% (based on project data triangulated with information from a study by the World Bank). Key achievements included increased workplace safety and income for IWWs, with recommendations for future improvements such as formalising IWWs and raising awareness of their important role in the waste value chain.
The panel discussion emphasised the importance of recognising and dignifying the role of informal waste pickers, enhancing policy guidance, capacity building, financial investment, and improved market access. The discussion underscored the need for comprehensive strategies to improve working conditions and support the livelihoods of these essential workers, aiming to boost recycling rates and contribute to a more sustainable waste management system in Lao PDR. The panelists included Ms. Liviana Zorzi from the World Economic Forum, Mr. Taing Meng Eang from the Ministry of Environment Cambodia, Ms. Nguyen Hai Yen from UNDP Viet Nam, and Ms. Manith Philavanh, an informal waste worker in Laos who provided insights into her livelihood, personal challenges, and recommendations on how to better support IWWs. Manith is a beneficiary of the Waste to Value project.