San Fernando, Iloilo among UN’s first zero-waste cities

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — This Central Luzon hub and Iloilo City are now among just 20 urban centers worldwide recognized by the United Nations in its inaugural Cities Towards Zero Waste list, making them the Philippines’ only representatives in the global initiative.

The development was announced on the UN’s official website, highlighting both cities’ circular economy programs—from food waste reduction to models that integrate informal waste workers into local systems. Led by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste, with support from UN-Habitat and UNEP, the initiative spotlights urban centers taking proactive steps to strengthen sustainable waste management and build resilient communities.

The full roster spans Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania, with honorees including Accra (Ghana); Bologna (Italy); Chefchaouen (Morocco); Dar es Salaam (Tanzania); Dehiwala City (Sri Lanka); Florianópolis (Brazil); Gaziantep (Türkiye); George Town (Malaysia); Hangzhou City (China); Kisumu (Kenya); Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia); Lilongwe (Malawi); San Francisco (United States); Sanya City (China); Suzhou City (China); Varkala (India); Yokohama (Japan); and Zapopan (Mexico).

In a report, the United Nations noted that humanity generates over 2.1 billion tons of municipal solid waste annually—a crisis impacting climate systems, biodiversity, public health, and livelihoods across the globe.

According to the UN, cities play a central role in addressing these challenges, with the initiative designed to recognize city leadership and innovation, promote the exchange of best practices and lessons learned, inspire other cities to accelerate their transition toward zero waste, and support the implementation of circular economy approaches at the local level.

The UN emphasized that while selected cities still face waste management challenges, they are implementing a wide range of solutions, including food waste prevention, organic waste management, reuse and refill systems, inclusive recycling models supporting informal workers, policies to reduce single-use products, and community engagement initiatives to drive behavioral change.

Echoing the UN’s recognition of local action, City Mayor Vilma Caluag said, “This global nod validates our work to build a future where sustainability benefits every Fernandino. We’re turning waste into opportunity for our people and our planet.”

The Department of the Interior and Local Government–Central Luzon also extended its congratulations, noting that San Fernando sets a benchmark for proactive local governance on environmental action.

The initiative aligns with global sustainable development goals, and awardees will be recognized during the International Day of Zero Waste to share best practices with cities worldwide.