20 Cities Towards Zero Waste Initiative

Category: Environment / Urbanisation

  • The initiative was launched by the UN Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Zero Waste.
  • It identifies cities demonstrating innovative approaches to waste reduction, circular economy and sustainable urban systems.
  • The inaugural list was announced in March 2026.
  • Varkala, Kerala is the Indian city included in the list.
  • Other selected cities include Accra, Bologna, Dar es Salaam, Hangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, San Francisco, Yokohama and Zapopan.
  • The initiative is supported by UN-Habitat and UNEP.
  • It was associated with the International Day of Zero Waste – 30 March.

Prelims Pointers: Indian city → Varkala | UN support → UNEP + UN-Habitat | Theme → Zero waste/circular economy.