The GPWM is an open-ended partnership for international organizations, Governments, businesses, academia, local authorities and NGOs. It was launched in November 2010 to enhance international cooperation among stakeholders, identify and fill information gaps, share information and strengthen awareness, political will, and capacity to promote resource conservation and resource efficiency.The objectives of the GPWM are:Objectives and Expected OutcomesTo enhance international cooperation, outreach, advocacy, knowledge management and sharing, and identifying and filling information gaps in waste management to protect human health and environment, and to tackle adverse impacts of unsound management of waste.To raise awareness, political will, and capacity to promote resource conservation and resource efficiency through waste prevention and by recovering valuable material and/or energy from waste.

Expected Outcomes:- Holistic approach to waste management is promoted.- Level of waste management activities is increased due to enhanced international cooperation, advocacy, awareness, political will, and outreach.- Already available information is shared and additional information is created to fill the gaps.- Better coordination among member institutions so that they can benefit from each others’ actions.- Efficient and synergized activities to avoid duplication and to promote efficiency of efforts.- Wider range of partners and stakeholders are approached for enhanced and coordinated activities.

The steering committee is the governing body of the GPWM reviewing and providing guidance on the overall workplan of the GPWM and the progress made. The GPWM steering committee will meet at least once a year, in person or through electronic means.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) International Telecommunication Union (ITU) The Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific (BCRC China)