Alternative EPR Models and Institutional Structure

WHEN:  3 April 2026     I    TIME:  14:30–16:30 (Astana time)    I   Platform: Zoom   I   by invitation only event 

Background

This consultative event, implemented under the EU SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component, promotes the development and strengthening of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems as a policy tool to advance the circular economy and sustainable consumption and production in Central Asia.

Building on Phase I results, which included in-depth assessments across five Asian countries, Phase II focuses on three interconnected work streams:

1. Targeted Policy Support: Providing technical assistance to the Government of Kazakhstan to address structural and policy challenges within the national EPR system.
2. Capacity Development in Central Asia: Facilitating regional learning through thematic analytical reviews and expert-led webinars.
3. EPR Consultations on Request: Responding to country-specific requests from Central Asian states with rapid assessments and tailored policy recommendations.

This technical assistance aims to transform EPR from a niche waste management tool into a strategic policy instrument that promotes waste prevention, resource efficiency, and low-carbon development. This event is the first in a series of four webinars dedicated to EPR development in the Central Asia region.

Moderator

Yerbol Orazbekov National Expert on EPR Reform Support in Central Asia, SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component

Mr. Yerbol Orazbekov specializes in circular economy, sustainable development, climate change, and environmental management, with over 25 years of experience in national and international organizations.

Keynote Speaker

Thomas Lindhqvist, International Expert on EPR Reform Support in Central Asia, SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component; Associate Professor at Lund University

 A distinguished Swedish scientist, Dr. Lindhqvist is the author of the EPR concept. In his landmark 1990 report for the Swedish Ministry of the Environment, he first formulated the principle that producers are responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including the disposal stage. His work has shifted the financial burden of recycling from taxpayers to businesses and is now the foundation of circular economy legislation in over 50 countries.

Zinaida Fadeeva, Team Leader at the SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component

Zinaida Fadeeva is the Team Leader of the Policy Support Component of the SWITCH-Asia Programme. Zinaida has over 25 years leading international professional experience in policy for and practice of sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and Education for Sustainable Development, amongst others working with the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Studies of Sustainability (UNU-IAS). Her work has focused on diverse topics such as tourism, plastics, construction, small and medium enterprises, procurement and lifestyle. Zinaida has worked extensively with governments, private sector, international organisations and academia in East, South East, South and Central Asia.

Agenda