On 5 March 2024, UNOPS Bangladesh hosted the eighth episode of SDG Café and monthly roundtable discussion series dedicated to addressing vital development challenges and exploring innovative solutions. This episode focused on the topic of Plastic Waste Management In Marine Environment Or Asia And Asia Pacific: Drivers, Impact, And Solutions.
Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Secretary General of ESDO, was invited as the Keynote Speaker and shed light on the severity, drivers, and solutions to plastic waste management on the severity, drivers, and potential solutions to plastic waste management. He emphasized the necessity of collective action to achieve a sustainable, plastic-free future.
Sudhir Muralidharan, UNOPS Country Manager, underscored the urgency of the situation, urging immediate action to address the 334 million metric tons of solid waste generated annually in South Asia.
Charles Callanan, Director of UNOPS South Asia Multi-Country Office, advocated for collaborative efforts towards establishing a comprehensive circular economy framework aimed at addressing the root causes of plastic pollution.
Siddika Sultana, Executive Director of ESDO and Shanon Iffat Alam, Program Associate of ESDO also participated in the discussion.
