7 April 2025 | Osaka, Japan
Young people are stepping up to lead the global fight against waste. On 19 February 2025, as part of the UNEP-IETC Global Dialogue 2025, a dedicated Youth Day was held at UNEP’s International Environmental Technology Centre in Osaka, Japan. Co-organized with the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP (CYMG), the event brought together young leaders and university students from across Asia and beyond to collaboratively explore solutions to waste challenges and co-develop a shared policy vision for circular economy.
With 40 participants attending in person from universities in Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea, and over 210 participants joining online from 43 countries, the event served as a vibrant platform for international exchange, innovation, and collective action.
Local Wisdom in Action: The Mottainai Declaration
Throughout the day, participants engaged in interactive working and expert sessions, and youth-led panels focused on circular design, policy gaps, and grassroot solutions. The participants showcased innovative projects addressing waste challenges—from activated carbon regeneration to zero-waste campus strategies. A global declaration rooted in local wisdom
A major outcome of the Youth Day was the collaborative drafting and finalization of the Mottainai Youth Declaration on Zero Waste and Circularity. Rooted in the Japanese concept of mottainai (もったいない), which conveys respect for resources and mindfulness about waste, the Declaration reflects collective commitments and concrete policy recommendations developed through a consultative process leading to and during the event. The Declaration will be presented to policymakers at upcoming UNEP events, including United Nations Environment Assembly, to ensure youth perspectives are integrated into global waste and circular economy discussion.
The Mottainai Declaration was presented at UNEP’s flagship event for the International Day of Zero Waste 2025 on 29 March in Zhejiang, China, by Chinese participants at the Youth Day.
A central outcome of Youth Day was the collaborative drafting and adoption of the Mottainai Youth Declaration on Zero Waste and Circularity. Rooted in the Japanese concept of mottainai (もったいない)—which conveys respect for resources and mindfulness about waste—the Declaration outlines collective commitments and actionable policy recommendations co-developed through a consultative process leading up to and during the event.
From Osaka to the World
Importantly, Youth Day did not end in Osaka—it sparked continued global momentum. The Mottainai Declaration was presented at UNEP’s flagship event for the International Day of Zero Waste 2025 on 29 March in Zhejiang, China, where a student from Zhejiang University shared key takeaways from the Youth Day and emphasized the importance of the Declaration.
The Declaration was also spotlighted during the Zero Waste Day Global Youth Dialogue on 4 April 2025, which brought together more than 200 youth participants worldwide. This online event featured two sessions—one for Asia, Europe, and Africa, and another for Latin America—offering an inclusive space for young people to share local actions and ideas for achieving zero waste in textiles and fashion.
Driving the Future of Circularity
This Youth Day reaffirmed that young people are not just stakeholders—they are co-creators, innovators, and key drivers of the zero-waste transition. UNEP-IETC and our partners remain committed to supporting youth-led solutions, fostering inclusive dialogue, and driving systemic change in global waste management.
Further Resources
Mottainai Youth Declaration on Zero Waste and Circularity
For further inquiries, please contact moeka.yamaguchi@un.org.
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