As COP29 unfolded in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Waste to Zero initiative marked its one-year anniversary with a renewed focus on accelerating global efforts to decarbonize the waste sector. Originally launched at COP28, Waste to Zero has grown into a powerful coalition aiming to drive impactful, scalable solutions in waste management.

The global coalition was initiated by Tadweer Group and endorsed by the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), supported by Roland Berger. Waste to Zero aims to formalize waste management practices and engage stakeholders worldwide to decarbonize the sector, unlock economic opportunities, and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts.

Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), will become Chair of Waste to Zero and steer the initiative’s next phase of impact.

Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan said: “Transitioning to a more circular economy, in which resources are consumed more mindfully and recycled more efficiently, is a critical aspect of tackling the urgent challenges of climate change. Today, almost 50% of waste is mismanaged, burned or sent to landfill, so Waste to Zero’s mission to decarbonize this sector by implementing practical new pathways to convert waste into useable resources and drive down greenhouse gas emissions is vital.”

UICCA will play a key role in implementing Waste to Zero’s next phase, expanding its impact beyond regional borders with a renewed emphasis on sourcing practical applications, forging cross-sectoral partnerships, and developing policy recommendations that embed circular economy principles.

Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, stated, “We congratulate Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, an inspiring leader in climate action and sustainability, on her leadership of the Waste to Zero Initiative. Waste to Zero is an important aspect of our nation's efforts to promote global climate action, engaging and incentivizing stakeholders to address waste sector emissions effectively and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon future.”

Her Excellency added: “The Waste to Zero Initiative was launched at COP28 to focus on three pillars: practical solutions; powerful cross-sectoral partnerships; and the growth potential of a circular economy. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is proud to support this initiative and the opportunity to keep the 1.5°C goal within reach.”

Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO, Tadweer Group, commented: "The appointment of Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan as Chair of the Waste to Zero initiative is a pivotal step forward. Her Highness’s deep expertise and visionary leadership within the climate sector will bring renewed focus and momentum to our efforts, amplifying our reach and accelerating measurable progress. In the initiative’s next phase, it is poised to create more meaningful partnerships, broaden our coalition of stakeholders, and drive scalable, impactful solutions that align with national and global sustainability agendas. Together, we are advancing a global framework to tackle waste emissions head-on, maximizing value while making strides toward a sustainable, net-zero future."

The Waste to Zero event at COP29 included a panel discussion dedicated to Waste to Zero’s achievements and future goals. A newly published whitepaper highlights Waste to Zero’s progress over the past year, offering actionable insights and scalable solutions for tackling waste emissions, which contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas outputs. The whitepaper underscores Waste to Zero's commitment to empowering global stakeholders with practical tools and strategies, furthering the initiative’s influence in shaping a low-carbon, sustainable future.