A systems thinking approach is increasingly highlighted by urban planners and municipalities as it enables decision-makers to deal with large numbers of interacting variables and relations. For more sustainable and inclusive future cities, it is imperative to include perspectives of all residents in the process of urban planning and design process to ensure equal access to basic urban services and resources for all. 

Over the last few years, issues around solid waste management and plastic pollution have gained significant international attention as an emerging global challenge, and the issue is projected to become increasingly worse as plastic use multiplies in emerging and fast-growing economies. Asia is both the production hub of plastics and the major source of plastic waste. 49% of plastics used globally are produced in Asia and the region contributes to 71% of global plastic waste.

The primary goal of this technical deep dive discussion is to share a “human-centered systems thinking” approach, for understanding why situations are the way they are and how to improve results. It also helps a better public planning - targeting resources at the right leverage points and stakeholders for transformation. More specifically, the objectives of the session are: (1) to present principles, good practices, and tools for city management and urban planning, using human-centered systems thinking, and (2) to provide space for participants to identify what, where, who, and how of targeting in tackling issues associated with the given example - waste in urban areas.

The lead organizers for these thematic tracks were:
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
United Nations Economic and Social Commission of Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP)
United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat)