SCYCLE

UNITAR’s SCYCLE Programme, the National Center for Waste Management and UNEP joined forces in Riyadh to strengthen the statistical foundations for evidence-based waste management and circular economy policies.

From 8 to 10 September 2026, the UNITAR Sustainable Cycles (SCYCLE) Programme delivered a Waste Statistics Masterclass in Riyadh in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Waste Management (MWAN) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undertaking a comprehensive transformation of its waste management sector, guided by circular economy principles and ambitious national targets. Reliable and internationally comparable waste statistics are a critical foundation for this process. They enable decision-makers to identify priority areas for intervention, plan policies and infrastructure, allocate resources effectively, and monitor progress over time.

During the three-day masterclass, participants examined methodologies for developing comprehensive waste inventories and applying material flow analysis. The programme also explored how statistical evidence can support policy formulation, strategic planning, and the evaluation of waste management systems.

Plastics, waste electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste), and batteries served as practical case studies. These waste streams illustrated how robust statistical approaches can generate actionable insights while providing methodologies that can be adapted to other materials and waste categories.

The masterclass combined SCYCLE’s expertise in waste statistics, data methodologies, and circular economy research with the national knowledge and priorities of MWAN and the international environmental mandate of UNEP.

UNITAR SCYCLE looks forward to continuing its cooperation with MWAN, UNEP, and partners across Saudi Arabia. This collaboration will contribute to strengthening the country’s statistical capacities and supporting its transition towards a more resource-efficient and circular economy.

Suggested categories/tags: Waste Statistics; Circular Economy; Saudi Arabia; Capacity Development; UNEP; MWAN