The issue of electronic waste in Central Asia has moved beyond theoretical discussions and now requires comprehensive solutions. Despite growing recognition of the need for regulation, the region faces gaps in legislation, insufficient infrastructure, and low public awareness. To develop effective waste management mechanisms and discuss strategic approaches, the II Central Asian E-Waste Forum took place on March 4–5, 2025, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
The Forum was organized under the "Green Central Asia II" program, implemented by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the Center “Cooperation for Sustainable Development” (CSD Center) with support from the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and other international partners.
The event gathered more than 80 representatives from government agencies responsible for waste management and statistics, businesses, and NGOs from all five Central Asian countries. Key speakers included representatives of international organizations, such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Circular Economy Partnership (CEP), the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (BRS Conventions), the German Environment Agency, Prevent Waste Alliance, and others.
“Solving the e-waste problem requires a holistic approach. It is not just about recycling and disposal, but also about sustainable production, designing products for reuse, and minimizing waste. This Forum provides a unique opportunity to discuss sustainable development perspectives, share best practices, and strengthen cooperation between governments, the private sector, and civil society,” stated Mr. Martin Langer, Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany.
During the Forum, key aspects of e-waste management were discussed, including:
1.Improving regulatory frameworks
2.Enhancing e-waste data collection and analysis
3.Developing a circular economy in the electronics sector
4.Financing e-waste collection and recycling
5.Strengthening public awareness and stakeholder engagement
One of the major outcomes of the Forum was the presentation of the project "National E-Waste Monitoring: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan," conducted by UNITAR in collaboration with CSD Center. Additionally, Roadmaps for Safe E-Waste Management for Tajikistan and Uzbekistan were handed over to the relevant authorities.
The Forum played a crucial role in strengthening regional cooperation on e-waste management and served as an important platform for defining the next steps. Participants expressed their commitment to continuing collaboration, expanding expert support, and developing coordinated national and regional e-waste management strategies.
For more details, visit: www.greencentralasia.org
The Forum was organized under the "Green Central Asia II" program, implemented by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the Center “Cooperation for Sustainable Development” (CSD Center) with support from the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and other international partners.
The event gathered more than 80 representatives from government agencies responsible for waste management and statistics, businesses, and NGOs from all five Central Asian countries. Key speakers included representatives of international organizations, such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Circular Economy Partnership (CEP), the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (BRS Conventions), the German Environment Agency, Prevent Waste Alliance, and others.
“Solving the e-waste problem requires a holistic approach. It is not just about recycling and disposal, but also about sustainable production, designing products for reuse, and minimizing waste. This Forum provides a unique opportunity to discuss sustainable development perspectives, share best practices, and strengthen cooperation between governments, the private sector, and civil society,” stated Mr. Martin Langer, Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany.
During the Forum, key aspects of e-waste management were discussed, including:
1.Improving regulatory frameworks
2.Enhancing e-waste data collection and analysis
3.Developing a circular economy in the electronics sector
4.Financing e-waste collection and recycling
5.Strengthening public awareness and stakeholder engagement
One of the major outcomes of the Forum was the presentation of the project "National E-Waste Monitoring: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan," conducted by UNITAR in collaboration with CSD Center. Additionally, Roadmaps for Safe E-Waste Management for Tajikistan and Uzbekistan were handed over to the relevant authorities.
The Forum played a crucial role in strengthening regional cooperation on e-waste management and served as an important platform for defining the next steps. Participants expressed their commitment to continuing collaboration, expanding expert support, and developing coordinated national and regional e-waste management strategies.
For more details, visit: www.greencentralasia.org