Private sector integrated waste and resource management event aimed to achieve the sustainable growth of regional urban centers

Beirut, 18 September 2011: Averda participated in the third edition of MedaCity - the economic forum of the Mediterranean city - as event partner. MedaCity, held under the patronage of Mr Saad Hariri from September 12-13, 2011, took place in Beirut, Lebanon, to discuss how cities of the Mediterranean can develop within the context of rapidly rising rates of urban growth and population density.

As the leading regional provider of environmental services and integrated waste and resources management, Averda displayed its commitment to the sustainable growth of the region's cities through its partnership with MedaCity.

Maysarah Sukkar, Chairman of Averda, took part as part of a panel on city utilities management and presented a speech that explained the need for ongoing, constructive interaction between the Authority (the government), the Community, and the Operator (the service provider), in order for any utility sector to function efficiently. Speaking from Averda's 30 years of experience across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, Sukkar discussed the difficulties and opportunities facing the region and what must be done to advance towards a brighter future.

"We want to inspire key government decision-makers to see responsible waste management as a valuable and necessary investment in successful city development," said Sukkar.  "Without this understanding and without proper government support for the waste management sector, real growth and progress in a city can never truly occur. Successful city development and utilities management can only be achieved through solid legislation, regulation and enforcement from the government."

Furthermore, Sukkar highlighted Sukleen, Averda's operation in Lebanon that handles waste collection and street sweeping for the Greater Beirut area, servicing different communities from urban towns and cities to rural villages.

On the September 13th, Averda organised a high profile visit for MedaCity delegates to its world-class Sukleen facility in Karantina, as well as to its Sukomi-managed landfill in Naameh. The tour aimed at showcasing Averda's experience, expertise and technologically advanced waste management operations in Lebanon.

In addition to the session on city utilities management, MedaCity also included sessions on topics such as increasing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and tourism, generating new strategic vision and productive private-public partnerships, building sustainability and environmental awareness, and driving research and innovation. To underline the seriousness of the event, the closing session was dedicated to turning strategy into action, with an emphasis on effective communication and securing productive investments.

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About averda:
Averda International is a leading environmental solutions company that specializes in providing integrated resource management services, in addition to catering to waste, water and wastewater needs.  

The extensive bouquet of services covered by Averda ranges from street cleaning and beautification through to waste collection, treatment, disposal and recycling, as well as including the full-scale development of sustainable solutions for water, wastewater and solid waste of public, residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, all within a framework that respects the natural environment.  

With more 6,000 employees, the company operates throughout Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, the United Kingdom, France, Morocco and Iraq, resulting in a unique corporate geographic expertise and culture. 

For further information, please visit www.averda.com.

© Press Release 2011