Regional Cooperation Strengthened at ASEAN Conference on Combatting Plastic Pollution

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.