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Transitioning to SCP and Circular Economy: Plastic Policies and Actions in Southeast Asia Countries

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Transitioning to SCP and Circular Economy: Plastic Policies and Actions in Southeast Asia Countries
Type: Workshop
Location: Zoom
Organizer: SWITCH-Asia
Workshop

WHEN:  28 April 2025     I    TIME:  14:00 - 15:30 (Bangkok Time)   I    Register HERE

Background

The Southeast Asia region is considered as one of the most important regions in the world for plastics pollution. Awareness is raising about its consequences on ecosystems and society, as shown in various legislations, policies and actions in all countries. However, dealing effectively with plastics remains a challenge for the region and countries. Bringing together national and international experts, policymakers, civil society stakeholders, and industry leaders from Southeast Asia countries, this Workshop will dive into the current system of plastics, as an entry point and driver into the transition to SCP and Circular Economy.

The Workshop will engage in knowledge-sharing while exploring pathways for a more effective implementation of policies and legislation, from a plastic system perspective, production, consumption, circularity and innovations. It will provide opportunities to exchange between the countries on respective legal and policy responses and identify ways for collective actions to confront commonly shared challenges. It will reflect on the outcomes of the recently published country profiles (see Resources here), with the aim to better understand challenges and opportunities for action, leading to takeaways that can strengthen Southeast Asia and countries’ position at the ongoing international negotiation process, and for current and future actions targeting plastics production, consumption and effective management of pollution.

Objectives:

  • Foster discussions between policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society representatives from Southeast Asia on plastics policy and sustainable practices.
  • Discuss the status of waste and plastics management, generally inadequate, and identify ways and needs for more efficient waste management system, processes and infrastructure.  
  • Discuss organisation and governance system, with respective roles of concerned stakeholders, from regional, national and city levels, together with business and households; encourage stakeholders to share information needs and explore collaborative engagement for collective actions where relevant.
  • Identify pathways to improve efficiency throughout the lifecycle of plastics, production processes, use in markets and households, responsible behaviour and alternatives.
  • Define transformative steps in the national and city contexts to curb plastics pollution and define actions, in particular with regards to infrastructure, technological capacity, innovation opportunities and awareness.
  • Discuss what the Global Plastics Treaty’s key issues mean for Southeast Asia and national contexts. Help identify potential entry points for involvement for each actor group; delineate their roles in current/planned policies.
  • Support experts and negotiators in identifying actionable insights and inform strategies to make their voices heard in the context of the negotiations.

 

Invitees:

Southeast Asia government and policy makers, city managers, SMEs and industry associations, civil society and NGOs, academia and research, international organizations. Representatives from these groups are expected to share their perspectives, and all participants are invited to join the discussion.

 

Agenda

 

Time

Agenda Item

Description

Introduction and presentation of insights

15 min

Opening

Welcome and opening remarks from SWITCH-Asia Team Leader and EU Delegation

7 min

Introduction by International Organisations

Presentation of Circular Economy aspects in current plastics management in the region

15 min

Country Profiles, insights and main outcomes

Presentation of synthesis of key findings from the Countries Profiles, common and specific challenges, way forward and relation to plastics treaty negotiations - SWITCH-Asia

Questions and comments.

3 min

Introduction to the discussions, organisation and guiding questions

 

Sector-specific perspectives and interactive discussion; 3 panels, 3-4 experts each, representing concerned stakeholders from selected countries stakeholders and invited experts   

25 min

Policy Framework. Policies and legislation, challenges and needs for improved implementation

Representatives of South East Asia countries and regional/international organisations

Panel discussion on policy frameworks, legislative challenges, and gaps in improving management of plastics from SCP and CE perspectives; identify enabling opportunities for eco-design and alternatives, green procurement and communication

25 min

 

 

 

Industry, supply chain and Market. Business and SMEs, supportive and innovative actions

Representatives of business and business alliances

Panel discussion focused on the role of industry/manufacturing, SMEs, and market innovations that provide innovative and alternative solutions for a more responsible plastics management, including materials use efficiency, production process, consumption, minimisation and multiple “R”s, with emphasis on support frameworks, incentives, tools (EPR) and enabling capacity; identify support opportunities.

25 min

Society and Lifestyles. Information, education and awareness, incentives for responsible change

Representatives of think-tanks, academia, NGOs

Panel conversation on societal engagement, public education, awareness, and necessary frameworks and potential incentives to encourage sustainable lifestyles, including a shift in plastics use and alternatives.

Going forward: takeaways and actions

7 min

Takeaways for improved action and support to international negotiations

Key takeaways for pathways for more effective implementation of policy and legislation, business increased responsibility and partnerships, targeted and tailored communications for transformative actions. Takeaways in support to SEA’s countries position and inputs in international forums/negotiations. Sketch transformative steps for improved plastics management system, and for collaborative engagement across stakeholder groups.

3 min

Conclusion by SWITCH-Asia