ASEAN Boosts Regional Efforts vs Plastic (PR)

Vientiane, 29 October 2024 – The
ASEAN Conference on Combatting Plastic Pollution (ACCPP) 2024, hosted this year
in Lao PDR, underscored ASEAN’s increasing commitment to addressing the plastic
waste crisis and advancing regional collaboration for sustainable plastic
management solutions.  Key stakeholders
from ASEAN Member States, the private sector, innovators, and civil society
have come together to discuss regional strategies for addressing plastic
pollution. The 2-day conference, hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources
and Environment (MONRE) of Lao PDR, in partnership with the Economic Research
Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) Lao PDR, provided a platform to share knowledge, identify
synergies for regional cooperation, and align policies for tackling plastic
pollution.

Under the Lao PDR Chairmanship of ASEAN, two major milestones were
achieved to combat this environmental issue:

The successful hosting of the 2nd
edition of the ASEAN Conference on Combatting Plastic Pollution (ACCPP)
2024, which was attended by representatives of ASEAN member states, change
makers, innovators and other stakeholders.The adoption of the ASEAN Declaration on
Plastic Circularity

These landmark achievements aim to promote circular economy principles,
and encourage sustainable plastic use, and reduction of waste across the
region. In his opening remarks, H.E. Mr. Phouvong Luangxaysana, Vice-Minister
of Natural Resources and Environment of Lao PDR, highlighted the significance
of regional collaboration, stating, ‘ASEAN Member States are already committed
[to reducing plastic pollution] through the Bangkok Declaration on Combating
Marine Debris, the ASEAN Regional Action Plan for Combating Marine Debris, and
earlier this month, during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits here in Vientiane,
the ASEAN Member States adopted the ASEAN Declaration on Plastic Circularity..’
Mme. Martine Therer, Resident Representative of UNDP in Lao PDR, underlined
that ‘Governments alone
cannot solve plastic pollution. We truly need a “all-hands-on-deck” approach
with every citizen, company, city, organization also playing their part.
Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue; it is a socio-economic
and health crisis that affects every corner of our region.’

Key outcomes of the conference included strategic discussions on
applying circular economy principles, expanding Extended Producer
Responsibility (EPR) schemes, and promoting behavioral changes to reduce
single-use plastics. These actions are expected to drive the growth of green
industries, increase investment in sustainable infrastructure, and encourage a
circular economy that minimizes plastic waste. A shift in consumption patterns
and industry practices can reduce plastic pollution, creating lasting change
within communities.

The conference was also briefed on the ongoing intergovernmental negotiations
which aim to develop an internationally binding instrument on plastic
pollution. Such efforts could strengthen global commitments and policies that
prioritize sustainable materials. Participants also highlighted the importance
of improving the working conditions of informal waste workers, who play a
crucial role in recycling efforts across the region. Other highlights featured
the introduction of the Global Plastic Action Partnership and a showcase of the
UNDP-led Ending Plastic Pollution Innovation Challenge winners.

Tetsuya Watanabe, President of ERIA, reaffirmed ERIA’s dedication to
supporting ASEAN Member States’ vision, stating, ‘ERIA remains steadfast in its
commitment to contributing to ASEAN’s efforts in phasing out plastic pollution
through collaborative and innovative solutions.’ He also expressed satisfaction
with ERIA’s role in formulating the ASEAN Declaration on Plastic Circularity.

The successful conclusion of ACCPP 2024 marked another significant step
in ASEAN’s journey toward a circular economy and a cleaner environment for all.