The Zero Waste Knowledge Hub is made possible through collaboration with governments, local authorities, donors, and partners that provide expertise, funding, and technical support to accelerate the transition toward zero waste and circular systems.
Funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) enables the Hub to strengthen waste governance, pilot innovative recycling and reuse programs, and improve materials recovery systems.
National governments and ministries play a central role in setting policy direction, developing regulatory frameworks, and integrating circular economy approaches into national development and climate strategies. Their leadership helps align sectors such as environment, health, urban development, and industry, and creates an enabling environment for implementation and finance.
As key partners, city governments share their experience, best practices, and success stories, offering lessons that can be applied and adapted across regions. Through the Learning Hub, cities can exchange knowledge, test new solutions, and refine approaches to advance circular resource management.
Engagement with the private sector and industry partners supports the adoption of responsible business practices and approaches and deliver core services and infrastructure, including material recovery, processing facilities, and logistics systems that improve efficiency and expand circular value chains.
Global Environment Facility
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is the largest multilateral fund dedicated to global environmental action. Established in 1991, the GEF provides grants and blended finance to support projects that deliver environmental benefits, including biodiversity conservation, climate mitigation and adaptation, sustainable cities, and the sound management of chemicals and waste.
Under its chemicals and waste portfolio, the GEF supports efforts to strengthen policy frameworks, prevent pollution and hazardous chemicals and waste, and reduce harmful substances in products and industrial processes.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one of GEF’s implementing agencies. Through GEF funding, UNDP supports initiatives that advance sustainable production and consumption, improve sound management of chemicals and waste, and address complex challenges such as hazardous waste disposal and resource recovery.
Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency
The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) is Sweden’s government agency for international development cooperation, working on behalf of the Swedish Parliament and Government.
Sida’s mission is to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development by partnering with governments, civil society, research institutions, and international organizations. Its work includes support for environmental sustainability, natural resource management, and climate action as part of broader development priorities.
In support of UNDP’s chemicals and waste work, Sida provides funding and technical collaboration that helps strengthen institutional capacity, policy development, and coordinated implementation.
