UN ‘20 Cities Towards Zero Waste’ Initiative: Kerala’s Varkala city included

Kerala’s Varkala city has been included in the first initiative named ‘20 Cities Towards Zero Waste’.

This initiative is being led by the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste and is supported by UN-Habitat and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

This initiative highlights cities that are demonstrating ambitious and innovative approaches to reduce waste, advance circular economy solutions, and build more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban systems.

Names of cities included in 20 Cities Towards Zero Waste

Accra (Ghana), Bologna (Italy), Chefchaouen (Morocco), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Dehiwala city (Sri Lanka), Florianópolis (Brazil), Gaziantep (Turkey), George Town (Malaysia), Iloilo City (Philippines), Kisumu (Kenya), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Lilongwe (Malawi), San Fernando (Philippines), San Francisco (United States), Hangzhou city, Sanya city and Suzhou city (China), Yokohama (Japan), Zapopan (Mexico).

Objective of 20 Cities Towards Zero Waste

To recognize city leadership and innovation. To promote the exchange of best practices and lessons learned.

To inspire other cities to accelerate their transition towards zero waste. To support the implementation of circular economy approaches at the local level.

Despite facing waste-related challenges, the selected cities are implementing a range of solutions. These include food waste prevention, organic waste management, reuse and refill systems, inclusive recycling models that support informal workers, policies to reduce single-use products, and community engagement initiatives to drive behavioral change.

This initiative directly contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

International Day of Zero Waste

Selected cities are recognized on the occasion of the 'International Day of Zero Waste', and their experiences are showcased on global platforms to share learnings and inspire further action.

Celebrated every year on 30 March, the 'International Day of Zero Waste' highlights the importance of strengthening waste management globally and promoting sustainable consumption and production practices.

This day is jointly organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

It is the world’s leading organization in the field of environment. It was established in 1972 following a resolution of the UN General Assembly.

Its headquarters is located in Nairobi, Kenya.

UN-Habitat

UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, was established in 1977-1978 after the first Habitat I Conference. This conference was held in 1976 and discussed the issue of rapid urbanization.

Its headquarters is in Nairobi, Kenya and it promotes sustainable, safe, and inclusive cities. In 2002, it evolved from a small center (UNCHS) into a full UN programme.