Updates

Waste management is inseparable from large cities. Currently, the predominant waste disposal methods are landfilling (36.7%), open dumping (33%), and recycling (13%), with each city facing challenges in landfill operation and waste recycling. In major, rapidly growing Asian cities like Jakarta and Dhaka, increasing waste volumes are met with shortages in funding, technology, and personnel to establish and operate intermediate treatment and recycling facilities. As a result, landfilling often occurs without adequate sorting, leading to environmental pollution and low recycling rates.

As part of G-NETS working group joint projects, working-level staff from seven cities participated in a technical site visit hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in November, 2024. On November 28, participants observed waste management facilities focused on reducing environmental impact. On November 29, they explored cool pavement technologies designed to counter rising road temperatures and toured underground flood control reservoirs built to mitigate flood risks. Discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions followed the site visits.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) is focusing on measures to combat urban flooding, including the construction of facilities like the Kanda River/Ring Road No.7 Underground Wide Area Regulating Reservoir to prevent river overflows. The reservoir will connect five major rivers, stretch 13.1 km, and hold 1.43 million ㎥ of water. Plans to discharge water into Tokyo Bay are also under consideration.

Last November, 10 leading visitors from TMG’s Bureau of Waterworks and Bureau of Sewerage visited New York City's Department of Environmental Protection, enhancing their knowledge of NYC’s water management. Rohit Aggarwala, Commissioner of the DEP, shares insights on New York’s water management policies and the significance of participation in initiatives with G-NETS partners.

As part of a G-NETS working group joint project, Tokyo launched a technical exchange initiative with participating cities in 2024. In October, staff from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) Bureau of Sewerage visited Ulaanbaatar to observe current sewerage operations, including regulations on the city’s industrial wastewater. In addition, Tokyo also received insights into support measures for challenges such as reconstruction of wastewater treatment plants—an issue shared by both cities—and their management, as well as the development of human resources that can contribute internationally.

As part of a G-NETS joint project, representatives from five cities participated in a two-day site visit program on December 5–6 in 2024, hosted by Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG), focusing on water supply and sewerage facilities. Participants experienced hands-on training at two training centers, recognizing the importance of well-structured training programs and advanced facilities. Discussions were held after the tours to share insights on common urban challenges.

Based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) and New York City (NYC), representatives from Bureau of Waterworks and Bureau of Sewerage, TMG visited the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in November 2024. Discussions were held with Commissioner of the DEP and NYC Chief Climate Officer Rohit Aggarwala, focusing on four key topics of mutual interest. Given the significance of mutual exchange between the two cities owing to their many similarities in terms of business scale and other aspects, both parties confirmed that they will continue to conduct exchanges.

G-NETS working group held online thematic meetings in December, 2024 and online plenary meeting in January, 2025.

An Upgraded Version of One of Asia’s Largest Startup Conferences

Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, made his first visit to Japan in May in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the friendship between the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) and Berlin.