They represent international organisations, financial institutions, development partners, and communities from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Vietnam.
During the September 24-26 seminar, international experts share experiences and lessons in promoting the Integrated Resource Recovery Centre (IRRC) model designed to turn waste into resources.
They look at barriers that developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region face in realising the model and make relevant proposals.
Dr Vu Thi Vinh, Secretary General of the Association of Cities of Vietnam (ACVN), pointed to the fact that rapid urbanisation and economic development in Asia-Pacific region over the years has led to high-level waste in urban areas.
Besides, waste treatment is one of the most expensive services in developing countries as it accounts for between 20-50% of local budget expense.
To support Asia-Pacific cities in dealing with the problem, the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has coordinated with Waste Concem to carry out a project “Pro-poor and Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Secondary Cities and Small Towns”.
The project aims to help local governments manage solid waste through establishing IRRCs which turn waste into resources.
Since 2007, the project has been carried out in some Asia-Pacific countries, including two Vietnamese cities.