The GWMO for Youth highlights the significant impacts of current waste management practices on public health, ecosystems and economic stability. It underlines that children and young people are among the most affected, as their developing bodies and immune systems are particularly vulnerable to pollution and waste-related toxins.

Using data-driven insights, the report explores how different waste management pathways influence health and environmental outcomes, and demonstrates the benefits of strengthened waste prevention, collection and treatment systems. It emphasises that waste management is a cross-cutting issue that requires coordinated action across sectors.

The report places young people at the heart of the solution, recognising their role as advocates, innovators and future decision-makers. It calls on governments, local authorities, businesses, financial institutions and citizens to work together, while empowering youth to actively shape more sustainable waste and resource management systems.