10 July 2025, Geneva and Nairobi
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency has officially joined the SWEEP (Sustainable Waste Employment and Environmental Progress) Partnership, a global public-private partnership platform that aims to transform waste management in displacement-affected areas through innovation, local job creation, and environmental sustainability.
UNHCR joins SWEEP as a global partner, recognizing the critical link between sustainable waste systems and the protection, dignity, and wellbeing of refugees and displaced populations. The partnership formalizes a shared commitment to advance sustainable waste management as a key component of humanitarian response and climate resilience.
“Waste is a daily reality in refugee settings — and how we manage it matters deeply. Through the SWEEP Partnership, we aim to reduce environmental risks and create green jobs that empower our communities,” said Consolee Muvunyi, Partnership Officer with Last Mile Climate, Kakuma.
The SWEEP Partnership is anchored as a Multistakeholder Partnership in the Global Compact for Refugees and brings together public, private, and humanitarian actors to scale up circular economy solutions in refugee-hosting regions. While global in ambition, it currently focuses on catalyzing multiple projects in Kenya and East Africa.
Through the signed Memorandum of Understanding, UNHCR and Last Mile Climate will collaborate on:
- Scaling sustainable waste management models in displacement contexts
- Supporting innovation and technology transfer
- Facilitating inclusive green employment opportunities
- Enhancing environmental and public health outcomes
This partnership builds on a growing recognition that environmental sustainability is such a complex challenge that it can only be tackled through genuine multi-stakeholder and cross-sectoral collaboration.
About SWEEP
SWEEP is a multi-stakeholder partnership platform initiated by Last Mile Climate, co-led globally with Waste.nl and implemented in Kenya by Danish Refugee Council and Peace Winds Japan alongside several public and private partners. It promotes sustainable waste systems, green employment, and circular economy solutions in refugee-hosting areas. Find more information here: https://sweeppartnership.org/
About UNHCR
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, protects people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We work in over 130 countries, protecting millions of people by responding with life-saving support, safeguarding fundamental human rights and helping them build a better future.
Explore our sustainable supply chain solutions here: https://www.unhcr.org/get-involved/work-us/become-supplier/sustainable-supply-initiatives
Media Contact:
UNHCR-Ms. Valeria Dell’Aquila: DELLAQUI@unhcr.org
Last Mile Climate-Ayuen Isaac: ayuen@lastmileclimate.org