AUDI Hosts 24th "Cities in Action" Webinar on Sustainable Waste Management Solutions for Arab Cities

The Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI) held, on Tuesday, October 21, 2026, the 24th session of its “Cities in Action" series on "Solid Waste Management in Arab Cities: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions", bringing together a wide range of specialists and professionals in urban development.

Dr. Abdullah Difallah, the webinar moderator and professor of urban planning, opened the session, welcomed the attendees and participants underscored the importance of strengthening solid waste management systems in Arab cities. He emphasized that addressing the related social and urban challenges requires active collaboration and sustainable practices.

Dr. Abdallah Nassour, Associate Professor at the Department of Waste and Resource Management, University of Rostock, Germany and an Expert in Solid Waste Management and the Circular Economy, presented an overview of solid waste management in Arab cities. He highlighted key legislative, regulatory, and financial challenges, stressing the need for clear policies, well-defined stakeholder responsibilities, and stronger municipal capacity to plan and implement effective solutions.

Dr. Nassour also examined European experiences in solid waste management, emphasizing how legislation can reduce reliance on landfills, promote recycling, and maximize resource recovery. He highlighted the need for efficient waste collection, transportation, and treatment systems, alongside solutions tailored to the specific needs and capacities of Arab cities.

Furthermore, Dr. Nassour explored sustainable financing mechanisms for solid waste management, including cleanup fees and the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), highlighting the private sector’s role in supporting waste collection, sorting, and recycling. He emphasized the importance of ensuring municipal financial sustainability, developing specialized expertise, and strengthening collaboration among government institutions, universities, and private-sector entities to establish more efficient and sustainable waste management systems.

The presentation conducted with a discussion moderated by Dr. Abdullah Difallah and Dr. Ziad Alam-Eddine, Director of Urban Policy Research Program at AUDI. The discussion explored the economic viability of waste management projects, mechanisms for engaging the private sector, and opportunities to convert waste into alternative fuels. Participants also raised questions about legislative frameworks and the development of standards and guidelines to support Arab municipalities in this field.

The session closed with thanks to Dr. Abdallah Nassour for sharing his expertise and practical experience, alongside appreciation for the participants’ valuable contributions and insights, which enriched the discussion on advancing solid waste management systems and enhancing their sustainability in Arab cities.