Connecting waste-management expertise with sustainable international development

The International Association for Waste and Development is a proposed global network connecting waste professionals, governments, communities, researchers, businesses and development organisations.

It aims to address fragmented knowledge, limited access to expertise and weak connections between waste management and wider development priorities—particularly in lower- and middle-income countries, islands and remote communities.

Turning Connections into Practical Support

The Association would help participants find relevant knowledge, develop partnerships and strengthen locally led solutions. Potential activities include:

• Knowledge exchange, networking and collaborative projects.

• Education, training, mentoring and professional development.

• Research, practical tools and case studies.

• Conferences, webinars and technical discussions.

• Advocacy linking waste management with health, climate resilience and livelihoods.

Its approach would be inclusive, practical and respectful of local knowledge, with an emphasis on lasting local capacity.

Help Shape the Initiative

The Association remains at an exploratory stage. Its name, legal structure, governance, membership, programme and funding arrangements are not yet confirmed.

Practitioners, institutions, community organisations, businesses and potential partners or funders are invited to contribute ideas and explore collaboration.

Contact Simon Penney to express your interest

Expressions of interest create no financial, contractual or membership obligation.