The Environmental Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FT USU), held the workshop “Capacity Building Programme for Reducing Recycling-Related Marine Plastic Pollution in ASEAN Cities (CaRMPAC)” on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Environmental Engineering Study Program Building, USU. The activity was organized in collaboration with the Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (RRC.AP), Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, and ERIA – Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris.

The workshop opened with remarks from FT USU Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization, Zaid Perdana Nasution, S.T., M.T., Ph.D. Representatives from RRC.AP, AIT Thailand, and ERIA served as speakers, presenting issues and developments in plastic waste management and efforts to address marine plastic debris.

The forum involved representatives from the Environmental Agency of North Sumatra Province, Environmental Agency of Deli Serdang Regency, Medan City Health Office, Medan City Regional Development Planning Agency, Environmental and Forestry Agency of North Sumatra Province, and the Environmental Engineering Study Program of Universitas Negeri Medan. The participation of academic and government institutions broadened opportunities for knowledge exchange on challenges in managing plastic waste in aquatic environments.

The involvement of diverse stakeholders strengthened cross-sectoral discussion on plastic waste issues that can affect ecosystems, public health, and environmental sustainability. The workshop also provided opportunities to strengthen research collaboration, knowledge development, and human resource capacity in the environmental field.

Substantively, the activity supports SDG 14: Life Below Water through strengthening knowledge and capacity to reduce marine plastic pollution. Its focus on waste management and recycling is also relevant to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, while cross-institutional collaboration supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Through the CaRMPAC workshop, FT USU continues to strengthen national and international networks and promote science-based approaches to environmental challenges. Cross-sectoral collaboration is expected to contribute to more effective and sustainable plastic waste management.