E-Waste Management Stakeholder Workshops Held to Advance Sustainable Waste Management in Papua New Guinea

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in partnership with the Australian Government is supporting Government of Papua New Guinea’s efforts to develop sustainable solutions for electronic waste management in the main urban centers.

In July 2024, UNOPS conducted a series of e-waste management stakeholder workshops in Port Moresby, Lae, and Mount Hagen, gathering over 50 participants from various stakeholders in the PNG government, development partners, and industry representatives to discuss responsible e-waste management in the country. 

In her opening remarks, UNOPS Country Manager for PNG, Ms Joeena Simpson, gave a background on UNOPS function and its establishment in PNG and an overview of the e-waste project and its conception in consultation with the Deputy Prime Minister's Office. 

 “UNOPS is proud to partner with the Australian Government and the Government of Papua New Guinea to support a responsible and managed approach to a cleaner and greener future for the people of Papua New Guinea. Focusing on environmental protection, community health and economic opportunities enabled through e-waste management, we aim to reduce serious contaminants in waterways and on land.” 

Chief of Staff from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Sione Paasia, highlighted the significance of this initiative for PNG sustainable development. 

The workshops featured National Engineering Services Pakistan (Pvt.) Limited (NESPAK) presentation on the key findings of their feasibility studies conducted in Port Moresby, Lae and Mt Hagen in 2023 followed by group discussions on the impact of e-waste, and what the challenges and key priority areas are for PNG in achieving e-waste management by 2030 both at the national and local levels. 

Discussions also focused on leveraging the economic opportunities presented by proper e-waste management through a circular economy approach and the resulting job creation opportunities. 

//ENDS.

Media Contact: Zekun Shi, Communications Officer, UNOPS South East Asia and Pacific, zekuns@unops.org