SWITCH-Asia

WHEN:  5 August 2024     I    TIME:  14:00 - 15:45 (Bangkok Time)    I    Platform:  ZOOM   I  Watch the recording HERE

Background

Current global plastic production and consumption patterns, along with their growth trajectory, are unsustainable. A systemic shift toward circularity is necessary to mitigate the environmental and human health impacts. This is particularly crucial in light of the climate commitments made by states in the Paris Agreement. Given that plastics are derived from fossil fuels, the increasing production of plastics is a driver of climate change. Mandated by the UN Environment Assembly, negotiations have taken place for a Global Treaty on Plastics. This treaty will explore ways to promote sustainable plastic production and consumption, encompassing aspects such as product design, environmentally sound waste management, resource efficiency, and circular economy strategies. By doing so, it will also help mitigate the climate impacts associated with plastics.

This workshop is part of a SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component technical advisory (TA) on the Plastics Governance Engagement. The TA aims to assess the status of target countries, build capacity, and create momentum for addressing the plastics challenge from the perspective of enabling Sustainable Consumption and Production as part of a larger shift to a circular economy. The SWITCH-Asia PSC plastics experts will share knowledge about the Global Plastics Treaty’s INC process and key issues under negotiation. A special focus is set on the issues under deliberation in the two intersessional Expert Groups, meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, from 24-28 August 2024.

Target Groups: SWITCH-Asia stakeholders are invited, in particular, grant projects, EU Delegations, National Focal Points, national delegations, and partner organisations and platforms.

Topics:

The duration of the workshop is 105 minutes. It is divided into three parts:

• Part I: Update on the INC Process

• Part II: Intersessional work – background knowledge and implications

• Part III: Outlook and priorities

Related Resource

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Why Join 

• Receive updates from the latest developments of INC-4 in Ottawa, Canada in April 2024.

• Learn more about the priorities of countries in the Asian/Pacific region.

• Get a glimpse on the intersessional work ahead: discussion topics and timing of two ad hoc expert groups.

• Gain a deeper understanding of two of the issues discussed in the ad hoc expert groups: chemicals of concern and financing options for the Global Agreement.

• Have questions answered regarding the negotiation process and substantial issues.

• Discuss information needs.

• Outlook: Set priorities for future research and support.

Agenda