ASBESTONOMY

After an apprenticeship experience and then employment at a French laboratory [ITGA], Ambroise discovered the risks associated with asbestos. This realization led him to question the situation in Africa, and more specifically in Togo, and above all, how to take action. On stage, he looks back on his journey, his commitment, and the birth of a meaningful initiative.

Across the Atlantic: Lessons to be learned from shortcomings in the United States regarding asbestos prevention, public policies, and management of past legacies.

Feedback and focus on the development of the French framework and its specific features.

Discussions on practices and prospects for asbestos surveying in Europe: the impacts of European Directive (EU) 2023/2668 as seen by asbestos surveying professionals.

Practices in asbestos surveying, treatment, and waste management.

The presentation will explore the challenges of managing asbestos-containing materials in war-generated building debris in Ukraine, highlighting the risks of asbestos exposure to workers, local communities and the environment during debris clearance, demolition and reconstruction activities. It will present Ukraine's progress in strengthening its national asbestos management framework, including legislative developments, the introduction of international and European standards, and practical approaches to identifying, separating and safely managing asbestos-containing materials. Particular attention will be given to the achievements of UNDP Ukraine, supported by the Government of Japan, including the establishment of Ukraine's first national laboratory for asbestos detection and analysis, the adoption of nine national asbestos control standards, the development of technical guidance and asbestos waste management protocols, and capacity-building activities involving more than 300 specialists. The presentation will also highlight UNDP's integrated approach to debris management, combining asbestos risk assessment, safe removal of hazardous materials, and opportunities for recycling and reuse of suitable construction materials. Finally, it will outline future priorities, including strengthening laboratory capacities, advancing the practical implementation of standards, improving occupational safety, and developing a sustainable national system for asbestos risk management to support Ukraine's safe and environmentally sound recovery.