The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) is poised to host the VAKA Forum: International Academic Lens & Donor Alignment in Sydney, Australia, on February 17-18 at the University of New South Wales. This key event will focus on addressing the critical waste crisis facing Fiji and the Pacific region by turning research and innovative concepts into viable recycling solutions.
The Forum is set to take place in collaboration with UNSW and the ANZPAC Plastics Pact – APCO, receiving strong backing from vital stakeholders including Fiji’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Pacific Energy, Suva City Council, and Tourism Fiji. This initiative aligns with the Global Recycling Day campaign leading up to 2025.
About 40 participants are anticipated to join the event, comprising academic leaders, government officials, industry representatives, and donor agencies. They will share their experiences and present effective solutions that have been successfully implemented in various contexts.
Amitesh Deo, founder of PRF, highlighted the Forum’s significance in converting local experiences into impactful policies, funding opportunities, and projects that can be scaled. He underscored the vision of moving beyond isolated efforts to coordinate comprehensive initiatives, particularly aimed at empowering women and marginalized communities within the recycling landscape.
This collaborative Forum is expected to cultivate partnerships and generate actionable ideas that will propel advancements in recycling initiatives through 2026 and beyond, signaling a promising and progressive outlook for waste management in the Pacific region.