Promoting Circular Economy Through South-South Collaboration

As the Global South experiences growth in GDP and population, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from municipal solid waste are projected to increase by 80 percent by 2050, primarily due to food loss and waste (FLW). In these countries, municipal waste is generated at the post-harvest level, which is disposed of in open dumps and landfills, or else burned, exacerbating global warming. Best practices are emerging from different parts of the globe which could be replicated in the G20 countries to help solve the twin crisis of waste and climate change. India is leading the way in promoting collaboration on circular economy goals through Mission LiFE, and has made strides under its Swachh Bharat Mission, or the “Clean India Mission.” This Policy Brief proposes the creation of a South-South knowledge exchange mechanism for capacity development and financial mobilisation on FLW through dedicated support frameworks or facilities. The aim is to contribute to the achievement of SDG 12.3 and the UN Biodiversity Agreement aimed at reducing FLW per capita by half by 2030.