Hiroshima University x UN-Habitat Webinar Series: Waste management and inclusive income opportunities

June 2, 2026 (Tuesday, 19:00 – 20:30 JST)
ONLINE (Zoom)

About the Hiroshima University x UN-Habitat Webinar Series: Waste management and inclusive income opportunities

Access to waste management is fundamentally linked to safeguarding human health and the environment. The increased pressure from population growth and rapid urbanisation, along with changing waste production and composition, makes urban waste management one of the most complex responsibilities for national and local authorities. On the other hand, poor urban waste management systems can cause conflicts and environmental hazards, leading to social tensions and highlighting the link between waste management and peace.

Co-organised by the Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS) at Hiroshima University, Japan, and the Urban Basic Service Section (UBSS) of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), this webinar series aims to explore the connections between peace and urban waste management from both academic and practical perspectives.

This initiative recognises the existing limitations in current practice and academic discourse in linking peace and urban waste management. Specifically, it identifies a gap in emphasising and framing the vital role of waste management processes in fostering social cohesion, inclusivity, income generation, and the overall stability of urban communities.

About the second webinar

The theme of the second webinar is Waste Management and Inclusive Income Opportunities. It focuses on waste management initiatives that create income-generating opportunities aligned with the community’s needs and encourage active, ongoing participation. The webinar will delve into topics related to sustainable income and people-centric approaches, recognising the importance and potential of context-based waste-recovery initiatives that promote economic sustainability, inclusivity, and community acceptance.

About the speakers

Rita Idehai
A geoscientist turned social entrepreneur working at the intersection of environment, development, and the economy, Rita Idehai focuses on connecting households across Nigeria to sustainable waste management systems. Her work also centers on strengthening the adaptive capacities of vulnerable women to climate and economic risks by creating opportunities for them to earn dignified and sustainable incomes through waste-based livelihoods. Beyond her enterprise, she supports other entrepreneurs and organizations in designing and scaling initiatives that drive meaningful social impact where it matters most.

Gamuchirai Mutezo
Gamuchirai Mutezo is the founder of Madam Waste, a 100% African female-owned urban energy planning firm based in Johannesburg, South Africa and Kigali, Rwanda. Using principles of circular economy, Madam Waste views waste not as disposable material, but as a resource for new products. Offerings include: strategic consulting, green design thinking workshops, knowledge sharing podcasts, and waste valorisation demonstrations. Dr Mutezo has over 15 years of work experience underpinned by entrepreneurship, renewable energy, applied research and development, all with a keen focus on decentralising energy access in African cities using anaerobic digestion. She holds a B. Town and Regional Planning (University of Pretoria), an M.Phil Energy Poverty and Development (University of Cape Town), Project Management Certificate (University of South Africa) and a DPhil in Urban Biogas and Circular Economy (University of the Witwatersrand). Dr Mutezo is a member of the African Circular Business Alliance (ACBA), African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) – South Africa and South African Biogas Industry Association (SABIA). 

Bramwel Omondi
Bramwel Omondi is a sustainability, circular economy, and social business professional with an MBA background and extensive experience advancing climate innovation, green entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic development across Africa and Europe. Through his work with Yunus Environment Hub and other international sustainability initiatives in industries and academia, he has supported startups, SMEs, and innovation ecosystems focused on climate action, circular economy transformation, smart cities, e-mobility, and environmental resilience. His expertise spans sustainability project management, ecosystem building, strategic partnerships, and entrepreneurship support, with a strong focus on empowering social businesses to create scalable environmental, economical and social impact. Bramwel is also passionate about fostering cross-sector collaboration and developing sustainable business models that drive elimination of waste, low-carbon growth, innovation, and long-term community transformation.