Background

​​​

An estimated 20 million informal waste sector workers and waste pickers play a critical role in plastics collection, contributing to nearly 60% of global recycling efforts. Despite this, their contributions are overlooked, and they are vulnerable to human rights issues including inadequate pay, child labor, and health risks. Recognizing and collaborating with informal waste sector workers is essential to solving the plastic pollution crisis and increasing the supply of recycled plastic. Businesses in turn have an important role to play in addressing human rights issues in the value chain, and additionally reporting on social and environmental risks and meeting the growing demands of regulators.

​​

Objectives

​

• Provide an understanding and set the context of the informal sector and lives of waste pickers in Asia through their lens

• Highlight the role of businesses in implementing inclusive responsible practices in their supply chain against the backdrop of stringent reporting and regulations

• Showcase diverse and multi-stakeholder perspectives to understand unique roles and interplay between value chain actors

• Discuss pathways towards solutions that ensure the protection of human rights of waste pickers

​

Agenda

​

Opening remarks 

Representative from UN-Habitat

​

Movie screening: VOICES of waste pickers

Short movies featuring real-life stories of waste pickers in India, Indonesia and Viet Nam, including their journeys, challenges, and aspirations.

​

Panel discussion & Q&A 

• Krishna Ayyakanna, Representative of the International Alliance of Waste Pickers and Vice President of Thyajya Shramika (Interpretation provided)

• Hayley Whatarau, Advisor, Enodo Rights

• Lê Anh, Sustainability Director, DUYTAN Recycling

• Do Xuan Thuan, Representative of the Vietnam EPR Office

• Anna Dear, Community & Stakeholder Director, Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific

• Moderated by: Anna Douma, Director of Programs, The Circulate Initiative

 

Showcase presentation

• The need for a comprehensive and harmonized framework to measure responsible sourcing practices

• Spotlight on the informal sector and implementing responsible sourcing in Viet Nam and Indonesia

​

Closing remarks 

​

Session Partner