A groundbreaking three-day strategic workshop took place at this week is in response to the Pacific waste management crisis.
Co-led by the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) and the Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Islands Plastics Pact (ANZPAC), the workshop at UNSW marked a defining moment in the region’s fight against the waste crisis. It brought together the University’s capabilities with the Pacific’s grassroots recycling community.
“UNSW is privileged to work with PRF and ANZPAC to bring its distinctive capability in entrepreneurship to foster the innovation ecosystem and startups in the Pacific Recycling area,” said Professor Vinayak Dixit, Director, Global Ventures, UNSW. Global Ventures led the University’s engagement with UNSW Institute for Global Development.
At the heart of this collaboration is a vision first recognised by Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica. His foresight in identifying synergies between PRF’s grassroots recycling advocacy and UNSW’s research and innovation expertise led to the partnership, offering a new pathway for tackling one of Fiji’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Fiji’s Minister for Environment, Hon. Mosese Bulitavu, and Permanent Secretary of the Minister for Environment, Dr Sivendra Michael, attended the workshop and toured UNSW’s SMaRT Centre.
Over three days, PRF, ANZPAC and UNSW agreed on a multi-year strategic framework aimed at strengthening recycling systems, empowering Collection Pillars of Recycling (a more respectful self-determined term for informal waste pickers), and fostering cross-border collaborations.
The first two days of the workshop focused on internal discussions, refining objectives and setting clear, measurable actions to support recycling efforts in Fiji and the region. On the final day PRF, ANZPAC and UNSW presented the solutions to Fiji and Australia’s government officials, seeking validation and commitment to implementation.
“This partnership between PRF, ANZPAC and UNSW signifies a commitment to change, ensuring that grassroots recyclers are not just heard but are central to shaping the future of waste management in the region,” said Amitesh Deo, PRF founder.
Pictured top: Associate Professor George Varughese, Director, UNSW Institute for Global Development.
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