The first panel emphasized the global scale and urgency of tackling informality, which affects nearly 60% of workers and 80% of enterprises worldwide. Despite the adoption of Recommendation No. 204, progress has been slow, especially for vulnerable groups. IAWP highlighted the necessity of inclusive strategies that ensure waste pickers are not left behind. Sarika, a waste picker and IAWP delegate, reflected: “The inclusivity and the solidarity shown within the workers group stuck out to me. Each voice and each experience was heard with equal interest. We entered the conference as waste pickers but we left as workers.” The alliance advocated for stronger governance, access to social protection, and grassroots inclusion in policy design.
