We recently had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Roger Achkar, the main founder of the Global Waste Cleaning Network (GWCN), This, UK-based nonprofit organization is known to be the world’s largest and most widespread environmental and energy network with over 2100 member organizations across 187 countries. Dr. Achkar is recognized internationally for his contributions to environmental sustainability. He is a prominent speaker at international conferences on topics related to waste management and sustainable energy. His work and expertise have earned him a notable reputation in the global environmental community.
In this insightful interview, Dr. Achkar shares his journey in this field, the inception of GWCN, and visions for the future of the environmental sector, and also offers suggestions for aspiring professionals.
Spark Behind The Journey
We first asked, “Dr. Achkar, can you tell us about the inspiration behind founding the Global Waste Cleaning Network (GWCN)?”
Dr. Roger Achkar shared, “The inspiration for founding GWCN stemmed from a profound concern for the escalating environmental challenges our planet faces, especially in the realms of waste management and energy. Alongside my co-founders, I envisioned an organization that could tackle these issues on a global scale. Our goal was to create a collaborative network that connects NGOs, educational institutions, and both private and public sector companies dedicated to environmental conservation. By fostering environmental research and promoting sustainable practices and innovative solutions, we aim to make a significant impact in preserving our planet for future generations.”
Evolution Of GWCN Over The Years
We were interested to learn more about the evolution of Dr. Achkar’s initiative. So, we asked, “How has GWCN evolved since its inception?”
Dr. Roger Achkar shared, “Since its inception, GWCN has experienced remarkable growth in both scope and impact. We have forged partnerships with major NGOs, universities, and research institutions across the globe. Our network has expanded to become the largest and most widespread, connecting over 2,100 organizations in 187 countries. This evolution has empowered us to tackle environmental challenges with greater comprehensiveness and effectiveness, enabling us to drive significant progress in environmental conservation and sustainability.”
Addressing Environmental Issues
We further asked, “Besides waste management, what other environmental issues does GWCN address?”
“GWCN addresses a wide range of environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity loss, clean energy, and water pollution. We focus on subjects and initiatives that aim to restore natural habitats, protect endangered species, and improve water quality and energy efficiency. Our holistic approach ensures that we tackle interconnected environmental challenges and promote overall ecosystem health.” Dr. Achkar added.
Mitigating Climate Changes With GWCN
To learn more about the contribution of GWCN towards the expansion of sustainable energy, we asked, “How does GWCN contribute to the field of sustainable energy?”
Dr. Roger Achkar replied, “GWCN is actively involved in promoting sustainable energy solutions through advocacy, research, and partnerships. We support the development and dissemination of renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, and bioenergy. By collaborating with various stakeholders, we aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the impacts of climate change.”
Envisioning The Future, Dr. Roger Achkar
Eager to learn more about the perspective of Dr. Achkar on the future of his industry, we asked, “How do you see the future of waste management evolving, and what role will GWCN play in it?”
Dr. Achkar responded, “The future of waste management is moving towards more sustainable and circular practices. This includes increased recycling, waste-to-energy technologies, and innovative methods to reduce waste generation at the source. GWCN will continue to be at the forefront of these advancements by fostering collaborations and promoting research that demonstrates the viability and benefits of sustainable waste management solutions.”
Supporting GWCN’s Mission
We asked, “How can organizations and individuals get involved with GWCN and support its mission?”
Dr. Roger Achkar added, “Organizations that are fully or partially dedicated to environmental conservation can join our network for free. We actively support their initiatives and programs by showcasing their efforts, connecting them with other member organizations, and contributing to their environmental activities, events, discussions, and research. Additionally, we partner with some organizations on specific topics and programs to amplify our collective impact.
Individuals can also get involved with GWCN in various meaningful ways. They can participate in our volunteer programs, submit their research manuscripts for publication in our research journal, and support our mission and projects through donations.”
Words Of Wisdom For Beginners
Addressing the beginners, we asked, “What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start their ventures?”
“My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to be passionate about your mission and persistent in your efforts. Start by identifying a real problem that needs solving and develop a clear vision for how you can address it. Build a strong network of mentors, advisors, and partners who can support you along the way. Also, be prepared to face challenges and setbacks, but view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Finally, always stay adaptable and open to new ideas and innovations.” He replied.
Sustainability – A Crucial Role In Business Landscape
To understand the significance of sustainability across industries, we asked, “How important is sustainability in today’s business landscape, and what role do entrepreneurs play in promoting it?”
Dr. Roger Achkar answered, “Sustainability is crucial in today’s business landscape as it addresses the long-term health of our planet and society. Entrepreneurs play a vital role in promoting sustainability by developing innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact and promote responsible practices. By integrating sustainability into their business models, entrepreneurs can drive positive change.”
A Successful Leader In The Environmental Sector
As a leader in Dr. Achkar’s field, building certain qualities is paramount. To learn what are the traits that an effective leader should work on, we asked, “What are some key qualities you believe are essential for successful leadership in the environmental sector?”
“Successful leadership in the environmental sector requires a combination of vision, empathy, and resilience. Leaders must be able to inspire and motivate others towards a common goal, understand the diverse needs and perspectives of different stakeholders, and remain steadfast in the face of challenges. Additionally, a strong commitment to continuous learning and innovation is crucial to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field.” Dr. Achkar concluded.
Follow Dr. Roger Achkar on LinkedIn.
Find GWCN on LinkedIn and visit their website https://gwcnweb.org
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