For PSIDS, plastic pollution is an ocean, climate, health and development issue. A credible treaty must address the full life cycle of plastics and provide the finance, technology and capacity support needed for implementation in small island contexts. In March 2022, United Nations Member States adopted UNEA Resolution 5/14, launching negotiations for an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The negotiations have reached a critical political moment. Member States agreed to resume negotiations at a future date. This pause creates an important window for PSIDS to consolidate priorities, strengthen alliances and keep ambition visible in climate and ocean diplomacy spaces. The side event will provide a Pacific led platform to communicate why PSIDS need an ambitious, legally binding global plastics treaty and what practical support is required for island states to implement it. It will connect the treaty negotiations with COP priorities on ocean protection, climate ambition, just transition, finance, technology and resilience.

Venue

Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion

Speakers

Dr. Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary, Fiji Ministry of Environment, Ms. Sandrina Thondoo, Director of the Treaties, Multilateral, and Oceans Division Cook Islands, Niue (TBC), Palau (TBC), Tuvalu (TBC)