Capacity building workshop on extended producer responsibility (EPR) in West Asia – Workshop report

This document reports on a capacity building workshop held in Manama, Bahrain, in September 2024, convened by UNEP in partnership with regional actors to improve the understanding and implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in West Asia. The workshop brought together eight member states — Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Yemen— - and international experts to examine the fundamentals of EPR, national waste management strategies, financing models, the role of stakeholders and regional and international case studies. It outlines the legislative developments, operational challenges and practical steps towards EPR in each country, taking into account the different legal and infrastructural realities of the region. The report emphasises the importance of collaborative action, exchange of experiences and annual regional forums to support circular economy principles, close gaps in waste management and drive sustainable development.