ISWA President’s message on the first anniversary : Reflecting on an extraordinary year for the global waste management
I am delighted to share this message reflecting on an extraordinary year for ISWA and the global waste management community. This is not only a moment to celebrate our achievements but also to look ahead with renewed purpose as we continue shaping a sustainable and circular future.
As we gathered for this year’s General Assembly in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I was filled with gratitude and optimism. This marked the completion of my first year as President of the International Solid Waste Association—a year defined by collaboration, innovation, and a shared determination to shape a sustainable future.
I extend my deepest appreciation to the Scientific and Technical Committee, our National Members, and the ISWA Board. Your expertise and commitment have been the cornerstone of our progress. Together, we have advanced knowledge, strengthened partnerships, and delivered initiatives that matter. I also commend the General Secretariat for their flawless coordination and unwavering support, ensuring that every meeting and milestone was executed with excellence.
A world congress that inspires action
Our 2025 ISWA World Congress, held on October 27–29, 2025, in Buenos Aires, was a powerful testament to what we can achieve together. A big thank-you to our National Member in Argentina, ARS, for organizing such an incredible event in three transformative days, also to policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and innovators from around the globe who came together to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and ignite solutions.
The Congress emphasised knowledge exchange and collaboration, aiming to build partnerships that accelerate progress toward a more sustainable and waste-resilient future. I spoke with many attendees, and they all felt connected with many global experts, learnt from many pioneering projects, and used opportunities to contribute to discussions that influence policy frameworks and practical solutions addressing one of the world’s most urgent environmental challenges.
A highlight at the opening ceremony was the Presidents’ Day, where ISWA past Presidents (Carlos Silva Filho, Antonis Mavropoulos, Atilio Savino, Christoph Scharff, and Hakan Rylander) united under a common vision: to re-imagine waste as a resource and accelerate the transition toward a circular economy.
Re-imagining waste: Our call to action
The theme of this year’s Congress—“Re-Imagine Waste: Towards a Wasteless Future or a Wasteful Planet?”—is more than a question; it is a challenge to all of us. The choices we make today will define the world we leave behind. Will we continue down a path of depletion and wastefulness, or will we embrace innovation, responsibility, and resilience?
ISWA is committed to leading this transformation. Our focus for the coming year will be on scaling circular solutions, empowering communities, and driving global collaboration. We will champion technologies that recover resources, policies that prioritise sustainability, and partnerships that turn ambition into action.
Celebrating a year of partnership and looking ahead
This year has been a remarkable journey of collaboration and partnerships. Together, with our new Board Member representing the National Members, Ms. Corinne Trommsdorff of the French Solid Waste Partnership, we have strengthened ISWA’s global voice and advanced solutions for sustainable cities that set high ambitions on waste prevention and waste sorting for recovery. This implementation action can result in a mitigation potential of up to 20% of global emissions, with full implementation requiring a transition from the 3Rs (Reduce, Recycle, Recover) to reshaping business models and the global economy to achieve the 3Ds (Decouple growth from waste generation, Decarbonize and Decontaminate economies). This business model and initiative was launched at the World Congress in Buenos Aires. More promotional and implementational efforts are expected in the coming years. I am proud of what we have achieved—and even more excited about what lies ahead.
Approaching of Holiday Season
As we approach the holiday season, I extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May this festive time bring joy, peace, and renewed energy for the year to come. Let us carry forward the spirit of unity and innovation into 2026, as we continue to build a world where waste is not a burden, but together, we turn waste into an opportunity.
With gratitude and resolve,
James Law
President, International Solid Waste Association
