Access to safe, affordable and sustainable energy is critical for human development. In line with this goal, many humanitarian initiatives focus on meeting the energy demands of the displaced population using off-grid solutions such as solar lanterns, solar home systems, and electronic cookstoves. However, when these products near their end-of-life, the critical question of what happens once they stop working or are beyond repair, remains. It is estimated that only 1% of electronic waste (e-waste) is recycled while the rest ends up being burnt, informally disposed of or hibernated in displacement settings. Furthermore, the lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries used in off-grid solutions contain toxic substances which can cause environmental pollution and damage human health, if not properly disposed of towards their end-of-life. Thus, there is a need to better understand the e-waste value chain as well as the opportunities and costs involved with e-waste management in humanitarian settings.
To shed light on the rising issue of e-waste in displacement settings, GIZ ESDS and GPA Coordination Unit are organizing a two-part webinar series on Understanding E-waste Value Chain in Humanitarian Settings in November. The main objective of the webinar series is to introduce the topic of e-waste in humanitarian settings and understand the complexities of e-waste management that humanitarian and development organisations are facing at the country level. Please find below more information and registration links for each webinar.
Webinar 1: Understanding e-waste in humanitarian contexts
Date and Time: Wednesday, 2 November, 14:00-15:30 CET (check your local time)
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3499583208929416203
First in the series, this webinar introduces the issue of e-waste in humanitarian contexts. A joint presentation by UNITAR/GPA and GIZ ESDS will capture the scale and complexity of the issue, along with introducing the e-waste value chain in the humanitarian context. A presentation by the University of Edinburgh will then focus on the technical aspects of e-waste management. This will be followed by a presentation from IOM on the E-waste Project in Bidi Bidi refugee camp in Uganda. Read more…
Webinar 2: Navigating the policy landscape for e-waste management in the humanitarian context
Date and Time: Wednesday, 23 November, 14:00-15:30 CEST (check your local time)
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1303420882632900878
Second in the series, this webinar dives deeper into the policy landscape for e-waste management in displacement contexts. A detailed presentation on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) followed by a panel discussion on sharing concrete policy examples from the ground will be shared. Practitioners from different countries will also showcase their experiences and learnings, along with an open Q&A session with the audience. Read more…
Last updated: 20/10/2022