First of 2 parts
Leaving no one behind is more than a moral imperative—it’s the backbone of sustainable development. As we transition to a green, circular economy—one that minimizes environmental harm by keeping materials and energy in continuous use—inclusion must be at the core.
This shift offers an opportunity to do more than reduce waste; it allows us to reshape systems to be more equitable and empowering. For this transition to be truly just, gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) must be central to both design and implementation. We must create pathways for underrepresented groups to contribute to and benefit from the green economy.
In the Philippines and beyond, GEDSI groups are already playing vital roles in the circular economy—yet their contributions often go unrecognized.
Take informal waste pickers: frequently operating out of sight, they are essential to recycling systems in many countries. According to the International Alliance of Waste Pickers, they comprise up to 85 percent of the global recycling workforce, with many focused on plastic recovery. Despite their importance, these workers—many of them women—are among the most marginalized, excluded from formal labor systems due to poverty and social stigma.
A single mother in Cambodia described her decision to collect waste this way: “It’s difficult to have a regular job with set working hours. Collecting waste gives me the flexibility I need to earn an income.”(To be continued)
UNDP Philippines
