The ISWA International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) has released the first detailed programme for the ISWA World Congress 2026, which will take place 16–18 November at London's QEII Centre.

The event will bring together policymakers, business leaders, researchers and waste management professionals from more than 50 countries to discuss the future of the circular economy and resource management.

Among the confirmed keynote speakers are Janez Potocnik, former European Commissioner for the Environment and Co-Chair of the International Resource Panel, ISWA President James Law, and UK Environment Minister Mary Creagh.

🌍 The programme features more than 120 technical sessions covering circular economy, plastics, municipal waste management, the UN Plastics Treaty, circular economy financing, resource efficiency and workforce development.

According to the organisers, global municipal solid waste generation is projected to increase from 2.1 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050, underscoring the need for stronger international cooperation on resource management.

💬 “The transition to a more circular economy cannot be delivered by one country, one organisation or one sector acting alone. It demands collaboration between government, industry, academia and the wider sustainability community,” said Sarah Poulter, Chief Executive of CIWM

. Hosted by CIWM on behalf of ISWA, the Congress is expected to welcome around 1,200 delegates and marks the event's return to the UK for the first time in more than 30 years.

The programme is now available at www.iswa2026.org, with additional keynote speakers, technical sessions and further announcements to follow in the lead-up to the Congress.