Rwanda Polytechnic and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the GEF Small Grants Programme and Rare, successfully co-organized the International Workshop on the Global Plastics Community of Practice (COP) on Integrated Plastics Management Knowledge Sharing and Exchange, reaffirming their shared commitment to sustainable environmental management, community empowerment, and transformative behavior change in plastic waste management.

Held from 23 to 27 October 2023, the five-day workshop provided a dynamic platform for global learning, collaboration, and knowledge exchange on integrated plastic waste management. Bringing together participants from various countries, the event facilitated technical discussions, interactive sessions, and practical exchanges focused on promoting sustainable consumption and production, fostering community-led behavior change, and strengthening institutional capacity to address plastic pollution effectively.

The workshop highlighted global and local best practices in plastic waste management, emphasizing the pivotal role of education, awareness, policy implementation, and active community participation in advancing long-term environmental sustainability. Participants also explored innovative approaches to reducing plastic waste, advancing circular economy solutions, and strengthening partnerships among governments, academia, development partners, civil society organizations, and local communities.

As lead organizers, Rwanda Polytechnic and UNDP stressed the critical role of research, innovation, skills development, and knowledge sharing in accelerating the transition toward a plastic-resilient future. The workshop further reinforced their commitment to equipping individuals and institutions with the knowledge, tools, and collaborative networks needed to fight against plastic pollution and contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world