Organic waste represents one of the most pressing challenges in global waste management today. Comprising a significant portion of total emissions, organic waste is responsible for approximately one-quarter of global emissions. Moreover, it complicates the management of inorganic waste streams, further stressing waste management systems worldwide.
This session will provide an interactive platform for engaging discussions, featuring a panel of five distinguished speakers from Policy makers, practitioners and other stakeholders. Through a combination of expert insights and audience exchanges, the panel will explore current policy trends and strategic priorities aimed at addressing the organic waste challenge.
As part of GGGI’s ongoing efforts to mainstream Waste – Methane nexus and managing organics, this session will delve into the need for a fundamental shift in how these waste streams are managed, promoting innovative solutions to mitigate their environmental impact and improve overall waste management systems.
H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn has been serving as the Director General of the Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS) since April 2024. His distinguished diplomatic career reflects a commitment to fostering international cooperation and advancing food security initiatives across the Islamic world.
Prior to his current post, Ambassador Aryn served as Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Permanent Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and non-resident Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain. He holds academic degrees in Philology and Oriental Studies, Law, and a Master’s Degree in Regional Studies from leading universities in Kazakhstan.
Ambassador Aryn’s extensive diplomatic service includes key ambassadorial assignments in Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria, where he actively represented Kazakhstan’s interests. He has also engaged with prominent international organizations, including ICESCO, the League of Arab States, and the African Union. Domestically, in his capacity as Deputy Head of Administration in the Senate of the Parliament, he contributed to legislative processes, while his tenure as Vice-Minister for Religious Affairs and Civil Society focused on promoting religious harmony and strengthening civic engagement.
Ambassador Aryn had the honor of advancing Kazakhstan’s successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (2017-2019) and played an instrumental role in organizing the Congresses of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana.
His exemplary service has been recognized with prestigious honors, including the “Kurmet” Order, the “Gratitude of the People” medal, and multiple commemorative awards.
Dr. Lee is a seasoned economist and climate action leader with over 25 years of experience driving green growth initiatives across developed and emerging economies. His extensive work in both the public and private sectors has given him a deep and comprehensive understanding of sustainable development.
Currently, Dr. Lee serves as the Deputy Regional Director for GGGI Asia, overseeing Central Asia operations. He previously led GGGI’s country programs in Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. His expertise spans corporate carbon strategy, economic analysis, emissions trading programs, sustainable cities, sustainable energy, waste management, and program management. With a strong track record of delivering high-impact climate initiatives, he has successfully led diverse, multidisciplinary teams to drive transformative change. His exceptional leadership, marked by a strong commitment to partner and client success, is complemented by his expertise in business development and resource mobilization, ensuring substantial funding for his impactful projects and sustainability initiatives.
In recognition of his contributions to economic development, Dr. Lee was awarded the prestigious Friendship Medal by the Prime Minister of Lao PDR in 2022. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from UCLA and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Chicago.
Head of Energy Information and Modeling, Ministry of Water and Energy of Ethiopia
Director of Projects Department, The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS)
Programme Associate at UNEP IETC
Organic waste represents one of the most pressing challenges in global waste management today. Comprising a significant portion of total emissions, organic waste is responsible for approximately one-quarter of global emissions. Moreover, it complicates the management of inorganic waste streams, further stressing waste management systems worldwide.
This session will provide an interactive platform for engaging discussions, featuring a panel of five distinguished speakers from Policy makers, practitioners and other stakeholders. Through a combination of expert insights and audience exchanges, the panel will explore current policy trends and strategic priorities aimed at addressing the organic waste challenge.
As part of GGGI’s ongoing efforts to mainstream Waste – Methane nexus and managing organics, this session will delve into the need for a fundamental shift in how these waste streams are managed, promoting innovative solutions to mitigate their environmental impact and improve overall waste management systems.