​The AIT RRC.AP participated in the 8th Regional 3R Forum in Asia and the Pacific which was held from 9 to 12 April 2018 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Forum is an annual event organized by the UN Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) with the auspices support from the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ). The Forum was hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), India. The theme of the eighth meeting was "Achieving Clean Water, Clean Land and Clean Air through 3R and Resource Efficiency – A 21st Century Vision for Asia – Pacific Communities." AIT RRC.AP as one of the supporting organizations delivered a presentation during the Plenary Session 4: the 3Rs and Clean Air - the role of the circular economy towards prevention of air pollution. Mr. Guilberto Borongan, Senior Programme Specialist, presented on the 'Co-benefits of sustainable waste management in preventing air pollution through reducing short-lived climate pollutants. Mr. Borongan highlighted the need for a proactive mix of (technical, strategic, economic, financial, information and communication) solutions to resolve air pollution from waste sector integrating circular economy. In addition, Mr. Borongan also served as the rapporteur at this plenary session and the succeeding country break-out session.

As one of the panelists, Mr. Osamu Mizuno, Director, AIT RRC.AP shared his perspective on accessing international financing for accelerating 3R efforts. He emphasized the need to frame the 3R challenges in the context of the SDGs, climate change, and disaster risk reduction, as an avenue for financing waste management activities. He also highlighted the need for capacity building of the national officers in accessing global funds such as the Global Climate Fund for sustainable waste management activities. During the event, AIT RRC.AP also showcased its activities at the International 3R Trade Exhibition, together with 47 other exhibiting organizations from across the globe.