Bengal Sustainability Summit 2023 Aims to Transform Waste into Wealth & Green Opportunities

In an effort to address the environmental and health challenges posed by inadequate waste management practices in West Bengal, the Policy Times Chamber of Commerce is hosting the “Bengal Sustainability Summit 2023 – Mission Nirmal Bangla: Making Bengal a Green Job, Investment & Startup Hub.“ The event is scheduled to take place from 10am to 5pm on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at the Science City Mini Convention Centre in Kolkata.

West Bengal currently grapples with a substantial waste generation, producing 13,709 tonnes of solid waste and 5,457 million liters of sewage daily. However, only 43 million tonnes of municipal solid waste is collected, and a mere 16% of sewage is treated, leading to improper disposal and posing significant environmental and health risks.

Recognizing the need for a transformative approach, Mission Nirmal Bangla advocates for a resource-oriented waste management strategy aimed at minimizing consumption and environmental impact. This shift holds the promise of creating green jobs and fostering entrepreneurship in the state. In light of these objectives, the Bengal Sustainability Summit 2023 seeks to identify and disseminate best practices in waste management, explore innovative approaches to convert waste into wealth, and showcase the spectrum of green job opportunities and skill development.

Objectives of the Summit:

• Identify best practices in thematic areas of waste management.
• Discuss innovative approaches to convert waste into wealth.
• Explore the spectrum of green jobs and skill development.
• Present investment avenues in waste management entrepreneurship in the green sector.

Participating Stakeholders: The summit will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, urban local bodies (ULBs), recyclers, waste management authorities (WMAs), brands, business leaders, investors, academia, researchers, entrepreneurs, startups, and environmental NGOs.

Expected Outcomes: Awareness, Advocacy, and Implementation of the Policy: The summit aims to raise awareness and advocate for the implementation of sustainable waste management policies. Facilitating Entrepreneurship and Investment: By showcasing investment avenues and discussing entrepreneurship opportunities in the green sector, the summit aims to facilitate economic growth.

Policy Recommendations: The event will generate valuable policy recommendations to enhance waste management practices in the region.

Networking and Collaboration: Stakeholders from various sectors will have the opportunity to network and collaborate, fostering partnerships for sustainable development.

Showcasing Best Practices: The summit will highlight successful waste management practices, providing a platform to showcase effective solutions.

The Bengal Sustainability Summit 2023 is poised to play a crucial role in promoting sustainable development in West Bengal by addressing waste management challenges and creating a pathway towards a greener and more economically vibrant future.