Pollution & Waste

The first dialogue in the EMG Nexus Dialogue series COVID-19 and the Environment explored the environmental challenges arising from the pandemic, with a particular focus on pollution, waste management and opportunities to advance circular economy approaches.

Bringing together experts from the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat, UN-Habitat, UNEP, WHO and UNCTAD, the dialogue examined the impact of COVID-19 on waste generation and management, including the rapid increase in medical, hazardous and plastic waste. Discussions highlighted institutional and regulatory gaps, limited national capacities and the need for stronger coordination and sustainable financing to address emerging pollution challenges.

Participants shared initiatives and practical solutions, including improved healthcare waste management, sustainable alternatives to plastics, resource-efficient production and circular economy approaches. The dialogue also emphasized the importance of strengthening national and local capacities, engaging the private sector and developing clear policy frameworks to support sustainable waste management.

The dialogue underscored the need to integrate pollution prevention and sustainable waste management into recovery efforts, highlighting opportunities for stronger international cooperation, innovation and investment in circular economy solutions to build more resilient and sustainable societies.