MedCities and partners promote knowledge exchange on sustainable waste management under the project Enhancing Regional Exchanges for Local Service Provision in Libya

Strengthening sustainable waste management systems in Libya was at the core of the capitalisation webinar “Circular Economy and Sustainable Waste Management in Libya”, held on 12 February 2026 within the framework of the project Enhancing Regional Exchanges for Local Service Provision in Libya, funded by GIZ Libya.

The session brought together representatives from Libyan municipalities, the Libyan Ministry of Local Government, and members from MedCities working group on waste management. In his opening remarks, Josep Canals, Secretary General of MedCities, highlighted the strategic importance of circular economy approaches to enhance local service delivery and environmental resilience.

Pilot experiences from Janzour and Jadou municipalities showcased ongoing efforts to implement source-separation systems and improve community participation. International exchanges enriched the discussion, with Izmir Metropolitan Municipality (Türkiye) presenting its “Start Recycling at Home Project,” which has collected over 1.4 million kg of packaging waste since its launch in 2025, and M’Saken Municipality (Tunisia) sharing results from its market-based plastic and cardboard recovery initiative.

The webinar concluded with a call to accelerate implementation and reinforce municipal preparedness, reaffirming the value of regional cooperation promoted by MedCities in advancing sustainable urban development across the Mediterranean.