On 21 March 2018 at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and six other United Nations entities signed a Letter of Intent paving the way for greater collaboration in the area of e-waste management in developing an E-waste Coalition. Further to this, at the 2019 WSIS Forum, three new UN entities signed the Letter of Intent.
The Letter’s aims include a commitment by the signatories to increase collaboration, building partnership and supporting Member States to address the global WEEE challenge. In line with these aims, the Coalition comprises the following three core functions:
The goals of the Coalition are to:
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Support countries to reduce and manage WEEE with the aim of creating jobs, while protecting workers, human health and the environment.
- Strengthen the capacity of countries to formulate and implement integrated WEEE management policies and practical measures.
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Create synergies and add value to existing programmes, partnerships and projects by avoiding duplication of resources and efforts. UN entities to “deliver as one”.
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Increase awareness and engagement of key WEEE stakeholders at the global, regional, national and local levels.
- Support the development of a circular economy of e-products, using existing international expertise.
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Prevent illegal trafficking of WEEE via transboundary movements, ensuring it is carried out in line with international requirements.
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Promote opportunities for non-state actors (e.g. industry) to be part of the solution on WEEE challenges.
