Baku, Azerbaijan, 21 November 2024: Clean Rivers, the non-profit organization that funds and facilitated projects addressing river plastic pollution, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Making the start of a significant collaboration to prevent plastic waste that are entering Asian and Pacific oceans from river systems, the signing of the MoU took place at COP29, the UN climate summit held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
As part of the partnership, Clean Rivers and ADB will focus on initiatives that strengthen the awareness of plastic pollution challenges among governments, NGOs, and philanthropic stakeholders, foster circular economy programs in local communities, and pilot cutting-edge technologies for river clean-up and waste management.
As part of the partnership, Clean Rivers and ADB will focus on initiatives that strengthen the awareness of plastic pollution challenges among governments, NGOs, and philanthropic stakeholders, foster circular economy programs in local communities, and pilot cutting-edge technologies for river clean-up and waste management.
The agreement closely follows the establishment of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, the newly established entity that unites Clean Rivers with all the other major global efforts conducted under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, furthering the nation’s commitment to uplifting communities worldwide.
In addition to the signing of the MoU, Clean Rivers led a high-level panel discussion at COP29 highlighting the critical role of blended finance in advancing circular economy solutions, and combatting plastic pollution in rivers and oceans.
Fitting with the theme of this year’s UN Climate Summit - ‘In Solidarity for a Greener World’ - Clean Rivers also partnered with two important pavilions at the event: the Water for Climate Pavilion, and the Waste and Resources Pavilion. While the Water for Climate Pavilion demonstrated transformative water solutions that can accelerate and scale climate action, the Waste and Resources Pavilion explored opportunities for the waste management industry to reduce carbon emissions across the globe and lessen the impact of climate change.
Deborah Backus, CEO of Clean Rivers, said: “At Clean Rivers, we envision a future where rivers flow free of plastic and communities thrive alongside vibrant, healthy waterways. This partnership with the Asian Development Bank marks a pivotal moment in our mission to bring lasting change—empowering communities, driving innovation, and fostering sustainable economies. It is a collective journey, and every step forward strengthens our commitment to a world where rivers are a source of life, not pollution.”
“Clean Rivers has already committed $20 million toward addressing river pollution in Indonesia, with a focus on empowering local communities to build sustainable, circular waste management systems. Financial investment alone, however, is just one part of the solution. Our presence at COP29 was an opportunity to highlight why governments, businesses, and nonprofits must work together to collaborate on tailored waste management approaches that prioritise circularity, mitigate climate change, and create a planet that is free from plastic waste."
Ramesh Subramaniam, Director General and Group Chief, Sectors Group, Asian Development Bank said: “We are deeply committed to addressing the pressing issue of plastic pollution in our rivers. Our collaborative efforts with Clean Rivers, through the signing of this MOU at COP29, underscore our dedication to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. By integrating circular economy principles into our projects, we aim to reduce plastic waste, promote resource efficiency, and support the creation of sustainable communities. As the region's climate bank, ADB is proud to lead initiatives that not only clean up our rivers but also foster economic growth and resilience. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier future for all.”
