The Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 for Youth was launched at the Youth Environment Assembly 2025, placing young people at the forefront of global efforts to advance zero-waste solutions.
Developed jointly by the UNEP International Environmental Technology Centre (UNEP-IETC), the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), and the Children and Youth Major Group to the UNEP (CYMG), the youth-focused report distils key findings from the Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 while highlighting the critical role of youth leadership in transforming waste systems.
Published in collaboration with CYMG, the report provides an updated analysis of global waste generation and management trends since 2018. Responding to UNEP Resolutions 2/7 and 4/7, it offers a comprehensive assessment of waste management outcomes across regions and income groups, capturing both progress achieved and persistent challenges.
Through data-driven insights, the report examines how different waste management scenarios affect public health, ecosystems, and economic stability. It underscores the disproportionate risks faced by infants, children, and youth, whose developing bodies and immune systems are particularly vulnerable to waste-related pollution and toxic exposure. The publication also presents actionable recommendations for governments, municipalities, financial institutions, businesses, and citizens, reinforcing the essential contribution of young people to accelerating zero-waste transitions.
The launch session opened with presentations by CYMG, who shared key highlights and reflections from the report, followed by remarks from UNEP and ISWA. The discussion concluded with an interactive Q&A with participants.
Held during the Youth Environment Assembly, ahead of #UNEA7, the event brought youth perspectives to the centre of global waste governance discussions.
Download the report:
Beyond an Age of Waste: Turning Rubbish into a Resource – Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 for Youth
https://www.unep.org/ietc/resources/publication/beyond-age-waste-turning-rubbish-resource-global-waste-management-outlook