PROGRAM

07:30 - 08:45

REGISTRATION AND WELCOME COFFEE BREAK

REGISTRATION AND WELCOME COFFEE BREAK (EXPO AREA)

09:00 – 09:10
Main Congress Hall

Welcome Remarks by ISWA 2023 World Congress Host

Eng. Ahmed Hamed Al-Subhi, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Oman Environmental Services  Holding Company be’ah (Sultanate of Oman)

09:10 – 09:20
Main Congress Hall

Welcome Address

H.E. Dr. Mansoor bin Talib Al Hinai, Chairman, Authority for Public Services Regulation (Sultanate of Oman)

09:20 – 09:30
Main Congress Hall

Opening Highlights by ISWA 

Carlos Silva Filho, President, ISWA (Brazil)

09:30 – 10:00
Main Congress Hall

Keynote Address #1

Dr. Simon Baptist, Global Chief Economist, The Economist Intelligence Unit (Singapore)


Climate and Circular Economy

The way in which the world uses physical materials has never been more important. Long-term prosperity will be impossible without achieving sustainable economies, including combating climate change, and more efficient use of physical resources. Recent years have seen high volatility, high prices and, in some cases, shortages of key materials, and how to make the most of material resources is at the center of the agenda from boardrooms to foreign ministries. Bold action in improving waste management would be a major contributor to solving these global problems.

10:00 – 10:45
Main Congress Hall

Panel Discussion #1

Global Citizenship

This session highlights the importance of individual and collective actions in addressing climate change and promoting sustainability. It underscores the role of individuals, communities, organizations and nations in actively engaging with climate-related challenges and making a positive impact on the environment.

 

Special Contribution from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Prof. Muhammed Yunus, Co-founder & Chairman, Yunus Environment Hub

 

Moderator: Dr. Simon Baptist, Global Chief Economist, The Economist Intelligence Unit (Singapore)
Carlos Silva Filho, President, ISWA (Brazil)
Dr. Mohab Al Hinai, VP Sustainability & Circular Economy, be’ah (Sultanate of Oman)

Pascal Grante, CEO, Veolia Near and Middle East (United Arab Emirates)

Eng. Ziyad Al-Shiha, Group CEO, Saudi Investment Recycling Company – SIRC (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
Eng. Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO, Tadweer (United Arab Emirates)

10:45 – 11:00
Main Congress Hall

Appreciation Ceremony

11:00 - 11:20
Main Congress Hall

Shayma Al Mughairy Show “Sand Artist” (Sultanate of Oman)

11:20 – 13:00

EXPO OPENING (Exhibition Area) & LUNCH BREAK (Atrium)

AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS

13:00 – 15:30

Theme 1: Protecting human health & the quality of the environment

 

Session Chairperson:
Anfal Al Hasani
Lab Technician, be’ah

Theme 2: Mitigating climate change

 

Session Chairperson:
Sara Al Kharusi

Learning and Development Executive, be’ah

 

Theme 3: Driving resource efficiency & the circular economy

 

Session Chairperson:
Tariq Al Khanbashi

HCW operation engineer II, be’ah

Theme 4: New technologies adoption & sector transformation towards a circular economy

 

Session Chairperson:
Abdulhaseeb Al Yaqoub

Senior MSW Strategies and Planning Analyst, be’ah

ORYX ROOM 

DOLPHIN ROOM 

TURTLE ROOM  

CAMEL ROOM  

13:00 – 13:20

ORYX ROOM 

Evaluation of Heavy Metals Leachability Potential of Landfill-Mined-Fine-Fractions under Various Environmental Conditions

 

Arghya Ghosh

Research Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (India)

Co-author: Dr. Suresh A. Kartha

Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (India)

DOLPHIN ROOM 

From Barriers to Solutions: Recommendations for Scaling Up Methane Finance.

 

Kait Siegel

Waste Sector Manager, MPP, Clean Air Task Force (USA)

TURTLE ROOM  

Collection Efficiency Analysis – a case study in Prague. 46% cost savings in waste management with use of data analytics.

 

Tomas Vincze

Waste Collection Management Division Director, Sensoneo (Slovakia)

CAMEL ROOM  

Polymer recycling solutions for textile waste containing elastane

 

Emanuel Boschmeier

Scientific Researcher, TU Wien (Austria)

13:20 – 13:40

ORYX ROOM 

Assessing the Efficiency of a Full-scale Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) Reactor in Treating Municipal Wastewater: The Developing Country Context.

 

Philomina Arthur

Research and Development Lead, Sewerage Systems Ghana Limited (Ghana)

DOLPHIN ROOM 

CO2 reduction at Mabwepande composting plant in Tanzania

 

Dr. Florian Kölsch

General Manager, Dr. Kölsch Geo- und Umwelttechnik GmbH (Germany)

TURTLE ROOM  

Plastic Waste – a Global Threat to the Environment and Health.

 

Tony Clark

CEO, Avfall Sverige (Sweden)

CAMEL ROOM  

Techno-Economic Assessment for PV Waste Recycling in the Sultanate of Oman.

 

Dr. Sausan Al-Riyami

Director, Oman Hydrogen Center-German university of Technology (Sultanate of Oman)

13:40 – 14:00

ORYX ROOM 

Remediation and Disposal of Micro-Plastics

 

Sumaiya Al-Siyabi

Technology Research Analyst, be’ah (Sultanate of Oman)

DOLPHIN ROOM 

AD of Prosopis Juliflora: a Double Solution to Reduce Carbon Footprint and Ecological Threats.

Sophia Ghanimeh

Research Associate Professor, Qatar University (Qatar)

TURTLE ROOM  

Lessons from the USAID Recycling in Jordan Activity: Incentivizing new private service delivery models for efficient recycling markets.

 

Mohamad Hawari

Recycling Service Specialist, USAID Recycling in Jordan Activity, Chemonics International (Jordan)

CAMEL ROOM  

How can digital technologies, awareness and education be harnessed to drive sustainable solutions for the enhancement of plastic bottles collection?

 

Jerome Viricel
General Manager of RECAPP, Veolia Middle East (United Arab Emirates)

14:00 – 14:20

ORYX ROOM 

Environmental monitoring at Ämmässuo Waste Treatment Center (a former landfill)

 

Linda Röman

Development Engineer, Helsinki Region Environmental Services (HSY) (Finland)

DOLPHIN ROOM 

Understanding the relationship between climate change and plastic pollution: An overlooked environmental issue.

 

Umesh Madhavan

Research Director, The Circulate Initiative (Singapore)

TURTLE ROOM  

Demonstration of feasibility of an AI based ‘Kit’ for the automation of bin inspection and monitoring activities. 

 

Mohsin Al-Barwani
MSWS GM Planning and Service Optimization, be’ah (Sultanate of Oman)
Co-author: Ahmed Al-Aamri
GM – Digital Transformation & Cyber Security, be’ah (Sultanate of Oman)

CAMEL ROOM  

Social Media and Its Role in Waste Management Business: Parameters and Strategies for Successful Campaigns by Waste Management Companies

 

Lorenzo Bertero

Digital Marketing Specialist, Impactos Ambientales (Germany)

14:20- 14:40

ORYX ROOM 

ISWA Working Group on Landfills & Closing Dumpsites Task Force (60 mins session)

Panel Discussion: Leveraging dumpsite closure opportunities to transition to sustainable waste treatment and disposal solutions

This session is presented by ISWA WGL and IFC’s Task Force on Closing Dumpsites Global Initiative to highlight what we can do worldwide in assisting countries with dumpsite operations who want to reduce
waste mounding by bio-mining, sorted material reuse or converting to RDF product for green energy feedstock. To reduce the volume of waste going to the dumpsites, we need to divert as much organic waste and recyclable materials as possible away from the dumpsites. Bio-mining operations, recovering of RDF, and reusing plastic waste from the waste stream at dumpsites will be discussed to show how they are related and in transitioning from dumpsites to controlled or engineered sanitary landfills operations. If executed properly, and sorted materials have their destinations, bio-mining has a potential for recovering material resources, waste volume reduction, and minimizing the environmental risks from operating or remediating a dumpsite. Finally, the panelists will discuss how to finance dumpsite closure or remediation activities, along with its challenges in various parts of the world where regulations and
standard of practices vary significantly.

 

Moderator: Aditi Ramola, Technical Director, ISWA

James Law, Chair of the WGL & Task Force on Closing Dumpsites, VP of SCS Engineers (USA)
Rene Rosendal, Vice-Chair of WGL, and Senior Project Manager, AV Miljø and Partner at Danish Waste Solutions (Denmark)
Dr. Sahadat Hossain, Director at Solid Waste Institute for Sustainability (SWIS) & Professor, Civil Engineering at UTA, Arlington (USA)
James D. Michelsen, Sr. Industry Specialist, International Finance Corporation (IFC) (USA)
Aditya Handa, Managing Director & CEO, Abellon Cleanenergy Limited
Masood Mallick, Chief Executive Officer, Re Sustainability

 

DOLPHIN ROOM 

ISWA Working Group on Governance and Legal Issues

Sound governance instruments for waste management and their value towards a circular economy with multi-stakeholder cooperation and inclusion

Governance is crucial to establish sound waste management systems. Likewise, instruments and tools are very important to implement governance systems. When it comes to developing sound waste management and transitioning to a circular economy, the portfolio of potential approaches is varied and there are no one-size fits-all. In this session, the working group will present several topics such as EPR implementation in developing countries, integration of the informal sector towards an integrated waste management system and the importance of sound governance and enforcement at the national and municipal level. Join us to discuss lessons learned around the world on the mentioned issues and the future perspective that emerging instruments like the one being negotiated at INC could bring.

Valeria Branca, Project Manager, EXPRA

Kartik Kapoor, Waste Management Consultant

Mpendulo Ginindza, Head: SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment and Quality) at Mintek and President of Institute of Waste Management Southern Africa (IWMSA)

TURTLE ROOM  

Engineering X Safer End of Engineered Life Champions – What engineering solutions can help incorporate the informal waste sector into a circular economy?

 

Shafiul Azam Ahmed
Partner, Commitment Consultants (Bangladesh)
Dr. Letícia Sarmento dos Muchangos
Assistant Professor, Institute for Future Initiatives, University of Tokyo (Japan & Mozambique)
Delila Khaled
Founder and Principle, impaXus (Egypt)

CAMEL ROOM  

Introducing DRS for PET bottles in Italy: opportunities and challenges

 

Mario Grosso

Associate Professor, Politecnico di Milano (Italy)

14:40 – 15:20

ORYX ROOM 

ISWA Working Group on Landfills & Closing Dumpsites Task Force (Continued)

DOLPHIN ROOM 

ISWA Working Group on Governance and Legal Issues (Continued)

TURTLE ROOM  

ISWA Working Group on Recycling  and Waste Minimisation

 

Robust recycling in emerging economies — tools for planning and assessment 

 

The WGRWM is formulating a project for support to emerging economies and cities and regions. In the session we share the EU “Early Warning” methodology and approach, show how it has worked for EU member states, and invite input on how to use it in the project.

CAMEL ROOM  

The Transformation Journey of Waste Management in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

 

Focusing on the transformation journey of waste in Saudi Arabia, starting from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, the creation of MWAN and the development of the National Waste Management Strategy that sets the ambitions and objectives for the Waste Sector

 

Abdulelah F. AlObaidi

Sector Planning, National Center for Waste Management (MWAN) (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

Yazeed F. AlHabdan

Investment and Business Development, National Center for Waste Management (MWAN) (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

15:20 – 15:50

COFFEE BREAK AT THE EXPO

15:50 – 16:50
Main Congress Hall

Focus Session 

Community of Action against Plastic Pollution – Focus on the Marine Environment

 

Plastic pollution and marine litter pose a significant threat to our oceans, ecosystems, and the overall health of our planet. Recognizing the urgency of  this issue, a diverse group of stakeholders and players are coming together to form a powerful Community of Action against Plastic Pollution – Focus on the Marine Environment. This coalition aims to leverage the collective knowledge, expertise, and resources of its members to drive tangible and sustainable solutions to address this global challenge.

The session “Community of Action against Plastic Pollution – Focus Session on Marine Environment “will invite participants to engage in a dynamic dialogue that explores the transformative potential of collaboration across sectors. The session will provide a platform for stakeholders from the private sector, governments, civil society organizations, scientific institutions, and international bodies to share their experiences, insights, and innovative approaches.

The objectives of this session are threefold: First, to foster an understanding of the multi-dimensional nature of marine litter and its impact on marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. Second, to showcase successful case studies and initiatives implemented by various stakeholders, highlighting best practices and lessons learned. Lastly, to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources, tools and expertise among the participants. The session will feature engaging presentations from renowned experts and an interactive panel discussion to encourage meaningful dialogue and collaboration. By the end of the session, participants will have a clear understanding of the urgent need for collective action against marine litter and the diverse range of opportunities for collaboration. They will be invited to join the Community of Action, actively contribute to ongoing initiatives, and initiate new efforts in their respective domains.

In conclusion, the session will serve as a catalyst for transformative change, empowering stakeholders from different sectors to combine their efforts, knowledge, and resources. Together, we can build a future where our oceans thrive, free from the scourge of marine litter.

 

Moderator: Aditi Ramola, Technical Director, ISWA           

– Christina Jaeger, Managing Director, Yunus Environment Hub (Germany)

– Oda Korneliussen, Programme Manager, Clean Oceans through Clean Communities, Avfall Norge (Norway)

– Dr. Jürgen Hannak, Head of Circular Economy Program, adelphi (Germany)

– Björn Appelqvist, Scientific and Technical Committee Chair, ISWA (Denmark)

Mochamad Satya Oktamalandi (Andik),  Project Manager, Indonesia Solid Waste Association (Indonesia)

 

16:50 – 17:30
Main Congress Hall

Panel Discussion #2

Shaping Global Environmental Discourse: High-Level Plenary on Triple Planetary Crisis, Inclusion, and a Just Transition in the Waste and Resource Management Sector

The world is facing a triple planetary crisis comprising climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. As we address these interconnected challenges, we must ensure that the transition towards sustainability is just, equitable, and inclusive. Action from institutions and companies is being demanded by civil society and this is only expected to grow. It is clearer than ever that a sensible waste and resource policy, no matter how modest, can make a world of difference in combating the triple planetary crisis. For some low-and-middle income countries there are other things that seem more important, but a good waste policy and a well-functioning waste management system pays for itself many times over. It is an investment in the future, in our children, in future generations. In this session, our distinguished panelists will discuss how the international environmental discourse around waste and resource management is evolving. This panel discussion aims to explore these intersecting themes. A key aspect in the discussion will be on how industry, society, and government institutions can react and act to attend to the demands and calls for action concerning the triple planetary crisis from the waste and resource management angle. The session will be moderated by Philip Heylen who will challenge the speakers to each come up with a concrete, tangible proposal, with which we can make the globe cleaner and greener in the short term.

 

Moderator: Philip Heylen, International Relations & Corporate Affairs Officer, Ackermans & van Haaren (Belgium)

– Els Van Doesburg, former Member of Parliament and Vice-Mayor, Antwerp (Belgium)

– Aline Cardoso, Secretary of Economic Development and Labor (Brazil)

– Björn Appelqvist, Scientific and Technical Committee Chair, ISWA (Denmark)

– Christina Jaeger, Managing Director, Yunus Environment Hub (Germany)

– Louis de Poncheville, Senior Vice President, Waste Business Development, SUEZ (France)

17:30 – 17:40
Main Congress Hall

RAFFLE DRAW #1

17:40 – 18:00
Main Congress Hall

MOU SIGNING 

18:00

WELCOME RECEPTION

(OMAN CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTER GARDEN)

DISCLAIMER: The organizers reserve the right to modify or alter items from the program or to modify or alter any aspect of the conference timetable at their sole discretion. Neither the host organization nor the meeting organizers will accept any liability for any loss or inconvenience caused to any party consequent to such changes.