Building on global commitments to tackle pollution, the South-East Europe Pollution Platform supports regional efforts to address environmental challenges in the Western Balkans. Following the landmark resolutions of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-3, 2017) on achieving a pollution-free planet and the subsequent Implementation Plan endorsed in UNEA-4 (2019), the platform provides a structured framework for promoting pollution prevention, reduction, and monitoring. Previous regional initiatives, such as the 2018 Ministerial Conference on Innovative Solutions to Pollution in Belgrade, have demonstrated the value of collaborative approaches in sharing knowledge and fostering partnerships across borders.
The Western Balkans Regional Waste Conference, organized under this platform, brings together policymakers, industry experts, academics, and researchers to exchange knowledge and collaborate on sustainable waste management practices. The conference facilitates discussions on innovative strategies, technologies, and policies that advance waste reduction, recycling, and circular economy principles, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for the region.
The project provides extensive support to the UNEP Europe Regional Office in organizing the Western Balkans Regional Waste Conference, ensuring that the event serves as a meaningful platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration. The preparation phase involves defining the overall concept and objectives of the conference, mapping and engaging relevant stakeholders, and identifying innovative initiatives and best practices from global, regional, and national levels to be showcased during the event.
Throughout the conference, participants are engaged in a carefully curated programme of interactive sessions and facilitated discussions addressing sustainable waste management, circular economy approaches, and pollution reduction strategies. The project team plays a central role in shaping the conference framework and supporting its implementation, ensuring coherent content flow, effective stakeholder engagement, and smooth coordination of all organisational aspects. Building on the outcomes of the event, a comprehensive summary report is prepared to synthesise key discussions, identify priority areas for action, and outline opportunities for follow-up initiatives, including potential project concepts, strategic partnerships, and collaborative pathways. Through this integrated approach, the conference goes beyond knowledge exchange, strengthening regional cooperation and catalysing concrete, forward-looking actions to advance sustainable waste management and pollution prevention in the Western Balkans.