On July 5, 2026, UNEP and BCRC China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Shanghai, an initiative led by Li Jinhui (Executive Director of BCRC China) and Takehiro Nakamura (Head of IETC, UNEP).

The MOU establishes a joint framework to address environmental challenges through recycling models, zero-waste strategies, and environmentally sound waste management. 

Over the next three years, UNEP and BCRC China will jointly: Document and share zero-waste good practices in the Asia-Pacific, with a focus on China; Strengthen city-level collaboration via the International Zero-waste City Network; Organise workshops, training, conferences and other knowledge-sharing events on waste reduction and management; Develop technical resources, publications and outreach materials on zero waste, circular economy and sound waste management; Implement pilot projects and other joint activities to promote zero-waste and circular approaches across the region.