Side event at APFSD 2026: From plastic waste to circular solutions in South-East Asia

Background and rationale
Plastic waste remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, with particularly severe impacts on coastal and island communities. Beyond environmental degradation, mismanaged plastic waste undermines public health, livelihoods, gender equality and human dignity. At the same time, the region has seen growing momentum around circular economy approaches, social innovation and data-driven policy tools that can turn waste challenges into opportunities for inclusive and sustainable development.

This side event brings together two complementary perspectives. First, it highlights social innovation approaches that link plastic waste reduction with tangible social benefits, such as improved access to essential goods, livelihood creation and community empowerment. Second, it showcases how harmonised regional monitoring of plastics and marine litter, alongside city-level tools and circular economy frameworks, can translate data into actionable policies and investments.

Objectives
The event highlights inclusive approaches combining waste reduction with social impact, showcases CareVend as a practical case, examines how regional monitoring and city-level tools support municipalities, and facilitates cross-sector dialogue on policy barriers and enabling conditions.

Expected Outcomes
Actionable policy recommendations, identification of partnership opportunities, and contributions to VNR processes through data-driven and community-led solutions.

More information can be found here.