Between COP29 and COP30, ISWA will be advancing its global message: that effective waste and resource management can be a powerful lever for climate change mitigation.
Through a series of events held across key regions – including Istanbul, São Paulo, Johannesburg, and Mumbai in 2025 – ISWA aims to spotlight locally driven solutions that address global environmental challenges.
Upcoming IFAT Shows
IFAT Eurasia | 15 - 17 May
Agenda | ISWA to-day conference agenda 16 and 17 May –Circular Insights: Exploring the Global Second-Hand Clothing and Textiles Sector
Agenda | ISWA curated session 15 May – Turning Waste into Climate Action: Resource Management under the EU CBAM
The Istanbul program, aligned with the IFAT exhibition on 15 and 16 May, will feature thematic sessions developed by ISWA to explore regional perspectives and highlight scalable strategies. These discussions are intended not only to inform but to inspire cross-border collaboration and innovation.
This initiative is being realized in close cooperation with our local partners—Turkish National Committee on Solid Wastes; the Working Group on Recycling and Waste Minimization; and ISWA’s Regional Chapter for Southeast Europe and the Mediterranean (SEE+). Together, we are crafting a high-calibre platform for dialogue among experts, institutions, and decision-makers, focused on shaping the future of environmental technology and policy.
Program highlights
May 15 | | 17:30 | Forum A, Hall 11A
ISWA Keynote on AI and Circular Economy: Antonis Mavropoulos (Founder & CEO of D-Waste | Past President of ISWA)
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May 15 | 15:00 – 16:30 | Forum A, Hall 11A
ISWA curated session: Turning Waste into Climate Action: Resource Management under the EU CBAM
In the scope of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), there is a major risk of competition for Türkiye’s export goods, since its export items falls into energy intensive sectors that will be taxed after 2026. Almost 40 percent of total export trade of Türkiye is with the EU. Thus, Turkish exporters have to get ready for the CBAM mechanism. During this session the technical and policy challenges will be discussed, exploring best practices and opportunities to prepare the industry.
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May 16 and 17 | Two-day conference | Forum C, Hall 12
ISWA full-day conference | Circular Insights: Exploring the Global Second-Hand Clothing and Textiles Sector
Register here
Turkish textile industry, which is the world’s 5th largest supplier and the EU’s 2nd largest supplier aims to reduce carbon emissions and plans to implement circular waste and resources management. Therefore, it is important to discuss the options for decarbonisation of the sector and waste prevention, along with the opportunities to enhance circularity such as reuse, recovery, upcycling, separate collection, and of course research and development studies towards sustainable fibres.
To better understand the possible solutions, the ISWA Working Group on Recycling and Waste Minimisation will organize a one-day conference to explore the current state and challenges surrounding textile production, trade and end of life scenarios by inviting active textile industry stakeholders to present their business realities and challenges.
Organised in close cooperation with:
IFAT Brasil | 25 - 27 June 2025
The next edition of IFAT Brasil will take place at the São Paulo Expo once again. Positioned as a key platform for connecting industry stakeholders, IFAT Brasil is set to play a growing role in promoting sustainable solutions and advancing environmental technologies across Brazil and beyond.
In collaboration with our regional chapter and key local partners, ISWA will contribute to the 2025 program with a series of curated sessions designed to highlight pressing issues, showcase innovative practices, and foster meaningful dialogue.
Visit ISWA’s booth on the exhibition floor at location H103!
Click here for the detailed program
IFAT Brasil landing page
IFAT Africa | 8 - 10 July 2025
IFAT Africa serves as a vital meeting point for innovation and impact in the fields of water, waste, and recycling—tailored specifically for the sub-Saharan African market. As both a launchpad for international companies entering the region and a showcase for African expertise on the global stage, the event brings together industry leaders, technology providers, and decision-makers from across the continent and beyond.
AT IFAT Africa, ISWA will also host a selection of targeted sessions as part of the conference programme. Designed to address the unique environmental priorities of the region, these sessions will offer practical insights and encourage dialogue that bridges local expertise with global perspectives.
Click here for the detailed ISWA program
IFAT Africa landing page
IFAT India | 14 - 16 October 2025
IFAT India landing page
At IFAT India, the agenda will include discussions on wastewater infrastructure, sustainable water supply, integrated waste management, and innovative recycling strategies—all designed to reflect and respond to the country’s environmental landscape.
Details on ISWA curated program in Mumbai will be announced in the coming months.
IFAT Munich | 4 - 7 May 2026
IFAT Munich landing page
For nearly six decades, IFAT Munich has stood at the forefront of the global environmental sector, setting the pace for innovation and international collaboration. As the industry’s leading trade fair, it offers a unique platform where forward-thinking organizations come together to shape sustainable solutions for the future.
In 2026, ISWA will once again take part in this flagship event, contributing to a dynamic exchange of ideas and showcasing its global network of expertise in waste and resource management. Our presence at IFAT Munich reflects our ongoing commitment to driving progress and connecting stakeholders from across sectors and regions.
We look forward to engaging with partners, peers, and pioneers in the environmental field to explore opportunities, share insights, and collectively advance the transition toward a more sustainable world.
Agendas are also available on the left-hand side per IFAT show
ISWA’s Sustainable Futures Challenge
As part of its mission to build capacity in sustainable waste and resource management, ISWA promotes cross-generational dialogue to share knowledge between experienced professionals and the next generation, while encouraging fresh perspectives and innovation. To support this, ISWA is launching a competition for university students and young professionals to demonstrate their expertise and problem-solving skills in waste management and resource recovery.
The collaboration between students and young professionals offers students practical insights, while helping young professionals build networks, leadership, and mentoring skills. For the jury, it’s a chance to engage with emerging talent and support the industry’s future leaders.
The challenge at IFAT Brasil
At IFAT Brasil, ISWA will be launching this pilot initiative to open-up more space for cross-generational exchange. It’s about creating real dialogue between university students and young professionals — so they can learn from each other, bring new ideas to the table, and work together on solutions that matter. It’s a real opportunity to connect academic thinking with business realities — and come up with creative, practical answers to the complex problems we face in waste and resource management.
For this edition, we have a strong number of registered students and ISWA Young Professionals, and we’re excited to see the ideas and connections that will emerge from this challenge!
Meeting point for students and Young Professionals will be at the Abrema Booth (H80) on Wednesday, 25 June at 13:30. Please note that mandatory (free) registration is required to enter the IFAT exhibition. Groups will present their results on Friday afternoon followed by a jury evaluation and announcement of the winning group around 17.30!
Click here to view the detailed program
The challenge at IFAT Africa
After IFAT Brasil, ISWA will be introducing the second edition of this challenge at IFAT Africa on 9 and 10 July. This initiative is all about creating space for real conversations between students and young professionals. It’s a chance for them to learn from each other, share fresh ideas, and work side by side on solutions that really matter. By bringing together academic thinking and on-the-ground experience, we’re hoping to spark creative, practical ways to tackle the complex challenges in waste and resource management.
For this edition, we have a strong number of registered students and we’re excited to see the ideas and connections that will emerge from this challenge!
Meeting point for students will be at the IWMSA Booth (OC03) on Wednesday, 9 July 2025 where students can pick up the challenge and group formations. Please note that mandatory (free) registration is required to enter the IFAT exhibition. Groups will present their results on Thursday morning followed by a jury evaluation and announcement of the winning group around lunch time!
Click here to view the detailed agenda of the challenge
Photo highlights from previous IFAT shows
Mission and Goals
ISWA aims to bring the messages of the ISWA Climate Mitigation Declaration to regions worldwide in the year between COP29 and COP30. This will involve a series of events focusing on local contexts and solutions for waste and resource management that support climate mitigation. These events will be aligned with IFAT exhibitions in key regions—Shanghai, Istanbul, Sao Paulo, Johannesburg and Mumbai—each featuring thematic sessions that interpret the declaration’s messages based on local environmental, industrial, and policy-related needs.
Partnership with IFAT Worldwide
IFAT Worldwide and ISWA have formed a strong and collaborative partnership to advance sustainable waste management practices on both regional and global levels. Together, we bring a wide range of perspectives to the industry through expert-led programs, panel discussions, and high-level speaker contributions.
ISWA has proudly participated in theregional IFAT shows around the world, sharing global insights and best practices with local stakeholders. Looking ahead, ISWA will be present at IFAT Eurasia, Brazil, Africa and India, with a prominent presence at IFAT Munich 2026, where we will showcase our expertise and network in a dedicated pavilion, continuing to drive innovation and collaboration across the sector.
ISWA’S Road to COP30
aligned with IFAT exhibitions
