UNIDO Empowers Refugees with Resilience and Environmental Stewardship Initiatives
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with the support of the Republic of Korea, is making strides in promoting environmentally sustainable practices in refugee settlements, particularly through waste recycling and composting initiatives. This effort aims to strengthen resilience and foster environmental stewardship among refugee communities in Iran.
Since 2020, UNIDO has been actively working to enhance the resilience and overall well-being of refugees in Iran by implementing innovative projects that align with the host government’s strategies and the Sustainable Development Goals. According to a press release from the UN on July 27, the ongoing initiative titled “Sustainable Waste Management in Semnan Settlement” is part of the larger project named “Scaling up Sustainable Settlements for Refugees in the Islamic Republic of Iran.” This initiative focuses on empowering refugees to become proactive agents of change in their communities.
A significant milestone of this initiative occurred on May 7, 2025, when a comprehensive waste management training program centered on home-scale vermicomposting was conducted at the Semnan refugee settlement. This training attracted the enthusiastic participation of 133 refugees, comprising 127 women and 6 men, representing various age groups:
- 13-25 years: 34 participants (approximately 16%)
- 26-35 years: 44 participants (around 20%)
- 36-58 years: 55 participants (about 25%)
During this event, refugees learned techniques for transforming organic waste into valuable fertilizer through vermicomposting. This practice not only promotes sustainable waste disposal but also enhances agricultural productivity within their homes. Many participants expressed their eagerness to implement these practices, which contribute significantly to:
- Reducing waste
- Improving food security
- Fostering environmental stewardship
Among the inspiring stories is that of Mojdeh, a 13-year-old girl and the youngest participant in the training. Her eagerness to learn about transforming organic waste into fertilizer showcased remarkable enthusiasm for environmental practices. Mojdeh stated, “I want to help my community by recycling waste and making our environment cleaner. I believe even young people can make a difference. This project is also giving me the chance to build new skills and connect with others, helping me grow both personally and socially.”
Her passion exemplifies how youth in the community are taking ownership of sustainability efforts, inspiring others to engage in similar actions. This initiative highlights the potential of empowering young people as key drivers of positive change within their communities.
The training received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Approximately 52% of participants rated the content as “Very Good,” and about 54% expressed confidence in the instructor’s expertise. Many attendees felt that the session met their expectations and appreciated the clarity of delivery. The feedback emphasized:
- Excellent organization
- Engaging trainers
- Overall success of the session
This constructive feedback underscores the effectiveness of the program and reflects the community’s enthusiasm for adopting sustainable practices. Community members are witnessing tangible improvements in their environmental practices and living conditions, thanks to initiatives like the waste management training.
UNIDO is planning to expand these programs to other settlements in 2025 and beyond, further supporting the host community’s efforts. In addition to waste management initiatives, the project is currently implementing renewable energy solutions in the Semnan and Torbat-e Jam settlements. UNIDO is installing two solar power plants, each with a capacity of 200 kWp, aimed at providing clean and reliable electricity to the communities.
These solar installations are designed to:
- Reduce dependence on traditional energy sources
- Lower carbon emissions
- Enhance the overall living conditions of refugees and host communities
By integrating renewable technologies, this project not only promotes sustainable development but also supports energy independence and contributes to climate resilience in the region.
In a related context, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni has confirmed that the country does not plan to deport documented and authorized refugees. He stated, “We are only deporting the two million Afghans who are illegally residing in Iran.” Momeni emphasized that “Iran is not an anti-immigrant country, as it is hosting six million foreign nationals.”
Since the beginning of the current Iranian year (March 21), approximately 800,000 undocumented refugees have left the country, according to Momeni. He noted, “These are honorable people who have contributed to the country’s production. Based on regulations, unauthorized refugees must leave the country. If they wish to live here, they have to follow legal procedures.”
From March 21 to June 27, a total of 717,658 Afghans have returned to Afghanistan, with more than 80% leaving voluntarily. Nader Yar-Ahmadi, head of the National Organization for Migration, assured that there have been no changes in the residency and services provided to documented Afghans in the country. In fact, they will benefit from enhanced services as illegal nationals depart.
Yar-Ahmadi added, “The majority of these nationals are employees or students; we normally consider employment as a foundation for residency in our long-term planning.” He also pointed out the challenges posed by illegal migrants, stating that their presence can negatively impact the economy, social stability, and security sectors.
Global trends indicate that migrants typically account for only 3% of a country’s population. With Iran’s population projected to reach around 90 million next year, this figure would suggest a migrant population of about three million. Presently, there are more than 6.1 million nationals living in Iran, and this figure is expected to gradually decrease.
