In the afternoon of November 14th, 2023, at the Cong Doan Hotel, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, the Center for Environment and Community Research (CECR) organized an Expert Seminar with the theme “Mobilizing the sustainable participation of informal waste collection groups in the circular economy of waste through innovative and inclusive approaches”.
A photo group of experts
The seminar discussed on policies, institutions, management, techniques, society, and recommendations for the formalization of female informal workers in waste collection, segregation, and recycling.
At the seminar, speakers presented their works on: “Policies related to circular economy, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and support for the waste collection workforce” – Lai Van Manh – Head of Economic Board, ISPONRE, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; “International experience in formalizing the informal workforce in waste management” – Nguyen Ngoc Ly, Founder/Chairwoman of CECR Management Board; “Mobilizing the participation of female informal collectors in the circular economy of waste: challenges and opportunities” – Doan Vu Thao Ly – Gender Expert; and “Current labor and employment institutions and policies on supporting informal workforce in waste management” – Nguyen Khac Tuan, the Center for Female Workforce and Gender Studies, Institute of Labor Science and Social Affairs – Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs. The aforementioned contents provided comprehensive perspectives and practical models related to circular economy, EPR, and informal waste collectors in the waste classification, collection and recycling management chain.
Experts representing at the seminar
Mr. Nguyen Khac Hung – Director of CECR
Mrs Nguyen Ngoc Ly – Chairwomen of CECR Management Board
Mr Lai Van Manh – Head of Economic Board, ISPONRE, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Mr Nguyen Khac Tuan – the Center for Female Workforce and Gender Studies, Institute of Labor Science and Social Affairs
Mrs Doan Vu Thao Ly – Gender Expert
Organizing with open attitudes and comprehensive approaches, the discussion session was a chance to exchange more about the actual implementation of the goals including developing a circular economy, EPR, and solutions to formalize informal collectors. The experts brought out specific means and methods, and how to effectively utilize the financial resources during the implementation. They also highlighted the role of NGOs in connecting the gaps between policies and practical conditions.
Photos of discussion session
The seminar concluded with remarkable results, such as professional contributions and perspectives from experts and guests from various fields including government agencies, universities, institutes, entrepreneurs, scientists, and NGOs. This facilitated the proposal of solutions for challenges in formalizing the informal waste collectors into the circular economy of waste.