The European Union and UNDP celebrated Zero Waste Day with students and teachers at Buckswood International School, hosting a lively programme of educational and interactive activities that brought circularity into daily life.

Throughout the day, students showcased their own circular initiatives, from launching a school-wide waste audit to creating handicrafts from recycled materials and leading awareness campaigns among their peers.

The EU Delegation to Georgia invited young people to join the ‘Choose Smart’ challenge, promoting simple, everyday actions that support circular habits. The producer responsibility organisation Wasteless hosted a waste collection contest, encouraging responsible disposal and raising awareness about electronic waste.

Participants also tried a board version of the Chompo-Calypse game, supported by the EU and UNDP, challenging players to defeat a waste monster while discovering how to build cleaner, greener homes and cities.

“The future of our economies is circular,” said Nicholas Cendrowicz, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Georgia. “It is encouraging to see young people in Georgia embracing this vision with such energy and commitment. The European Union is proud to support their ideas, actions, and leadership in shaping a more sustainable future.”

“Young people today are not just learning about sustainability. They are leading by example by putting it into practice,” said Douglas Webb, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia. “They understand that the way we produce, consume, and manage waste affects both our planet and our well-being.”

The Zero Waste Day celebration followed a two-week educational campaign across several schools in Georgia, introducing the core principles of the circular economy. Through interactive sessions and debates, students explored practical solutions and turned ideas into action.

“Environmental awareness is a cornerstone of modern education,” said Archil Sumbadze, Academic Director at Buckswood International School. “By engaging students in real-world environmental challenges, we are preparing them to make responsible and informed decisions.”

The Zero Waste Day campaign was organised by the EU and UNDP under an EU-funded UN joint programme supporting Georgia’s transition to an inclusive and circular economy.

About the European Union 

For more than 30 years, the European Union has built a close partnership with Georgia, supporting its development through knowledge, experience sharing, expertise, innovation, and financial aid. The relationship between the EU and the citizens of Georgia is based on shared values of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights, and inclusive economic growth. Learn more

Circular Economy Project

‘Green, Inclusive and Circular Economy: Waste Reduction and Recycling for Citizens’ Health’ is a UN joint programme funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP, UNIDO, and UBA, with additional expertise from Avfall Sverige. With EUR4.4 million in EU funding, the two-year project (2025–2027) brings together national actors, international partners, and private sector innovators to create lasting systems for greener growth and a more resilient economy.

Media Contacts

• Sophie Tchitchinadze, UNDP, +995 599 196907, sophie.tchitchinadze@undp.org
• Ira Sulava, UNDP, +995 599 579105, irine.sulava@undp.org
• Tamar Mikadze, European Union Delegation to Georgia, +995 32 2364364, tamriko.mikadze@eeas.europa.eu