#PlasticsINC – the ISWA experience

ISWA recently joined the second Meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Develop an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution (INC-2) from the 29th of May to the 2nd of June in Paris. 

Plastic pollution is an issue that is of the utmost importance for the global environment and ISWA is very keen on enabling societies to tackle this challenge through technology, experience, and sound policies.

The experiences and collective intelligence of the ISWA network is a valuable asset to inform the process for a sound treaty that can be successfully implemented across the world. Taking into consideration the importance of sound waste management in a sufficient capacity to address the issue of pollution.  

ISWA is also defending the principles of the waste hierarchy and calling for the avoidance of waste generation from unnecessary plastics and other plastic products. As well as reducing and reusing whenever possible to finally address sound solutions on recycling and final disposal. 

ISWA’s side event on Rooftop Grenelle

During this event, ISWA actively engaged with other stakeholders and member states delegations to bring forward the key messages and recommendations from ISWA members and the waste and resource management sector.  

The activities of ISWA around INC-2 included the organisation of an event together with our French National Member ASTEE, the French Solid Waste Partnership, and the French Water Partnership. The event summoned a full house on a rooftop with a panoramic view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. There, distinguished guests and key stakeholders on the plastic pollution issue gathered to listen to the key messages and interact with speakers.

This event was a clear example of how collaboration between ISWA members can be extremely valuable by leveraging the virtues of our network toward contributing to the mission of the organisation. ISWA concluded the event with the launch of a publication summarising the key elements of the treaty that should be considered. 

USAID Official Side Event on Local and National Systems

The whole INC brought together over 1,656 participants, from 162 countries and the UE and over 300 observer organisations. The event was held at the headquarters of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). 

ISWA also participated actively in one of the official side events organised by the INC secretariat and in the margins of the negotiations. ISWA’s president Carlos Silva Filho participated in the side-event “Enabling changes at Local, National and Regional Levels”.

Also, a statement was prepared by ISWA to be read and considered by the plenary as part of a call for the UNEP secretariat at UNESCO to further inform the process.

The INC process brought together delegations from member states of the UN that discussed in contact groups the substantive elements of the potential instrument. The conclusion of the event was the mandate of the preparation of a “zero draft” of the new treaty for consideration at INC-3 which will be held in Nairobi from the 13 – 17th of November 2023. The elements of the “zero draft” have been outlined in the past by the secretariat and negotiators will meet one day before the start of INC-3 in Nairobi to discuss the soundness of the zero draft. 

During the next months and before INC-3, ISWA will actively engage in the process at every opportunity with the support of the Plastic Treaty Task Force and continue to support and inform the process. Providing timely input and recommendations for promoting and developing sustainable waste management and the transition to a circular economy in the treaty.