Pallawish Kumar, the GWCN Oceania Membership Manager, proudly represented the Global Waste Cleaning Network at the Asia-Pacific Regional Convening Ahead of the Summit of the Future, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from August 22nd to 24th, 2024. During this impactful event, Pallawish engaged with young leaders from 36 different countries, sharing the mission and responsibilities of GWCN in addressing global waste challenges.

The convening was a significant platform for discussing the essential role of international cooperation in tackling interconnected challenges at the national, regional, and global levels. This event served as a prelude to the high-level Summit of the Future, scheduled for September 2024, where world leaders will gather to advance the Pact for the Future, including the Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations.

Throughout the convening, participants delved into pressing issues, resulting in a Call to Action for Member States in the region. The forum emphasized the importance of including young people’s voices and perspectives in the deliberations leading up to the Summit. Additionally, the event aimed to sustain a regional youth convening space, fostering collaboration and strategic planning to influence the outcomes of the Summit of the Future. This collective effort will shape the Asia and Pacific Regional Call to Action, guiding advocacy efforts with Member States and relevant stakeholders.