The Global Plastics Treaty: Asia Pacific Perspectives
The third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution is happening from November 13 to 19 in Nairobi, Kenya. This is an opportunity for us in Asia Pacific to push forward our demands and set the standard for a strong plastics treaty suited to our region. As such, during this time, we invite our members to put a spotlight on the Asia Pacific perspective this INC-3.
For GAIA, the overall aim for the treaty are:
- Reducing plastic production
- Excluding false solutions from treaty finance/tech transfer
- ZW solutions (including definitions and standards for recycling, reuse models, etc.)
- Just transition for waste pickers
- BFFP/GAIA Movement building through treaty work
In Asia Pacific, advocacy groups have reiterated the call for a Global Plastics Treaty that:
- Addresses the full lifecycle of plastics and its impacts
- Integrates the voices and experiences of waste pickers
- Provides accessible and transparent data on plastic production
- Enforces strong Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) with clear upstream targets
- Has clear language against false solutions such as incineration, chemical recycling, among others.
Plastics Treaty: We didn’t start the plastic crisis, but together we can end it!
#WeAreGlobalSouth and we have a message this INC-3: “We didn’t start the plastic crisis, but together we can end it!”
We call on our leaders to be the heroes we need, and to look to waste pickers, indigenous peoples, and impacted communities for their expertise in guiding us towards a better world – one with much less plastic, but so much more life and dignity for us and our children.
Global South Media Briefing on the Global Plastics Treaty
The Global South delegation put forward demands to address the entire lifecycle of plastics, overall production reduction, putting a stop on incineration and similar harmful technologies, limiting toxic chemicals in plastics and calling for chemical transparency, a just transition, mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) based on Zero Waste hierarchy; commitment to put regulations in place to operationalise policies; pushing for more upstream measures; robust financial mechanism for implementation and the inclusion of Waste Pickers, Indigenous Peoples and Frontline Communities, Under-represented African, Asian and SIDS Countries, Women and Youth.
Click here for the video.
Smoke and Mirrors: The Realities of Plastic Credits and Offsetting
The ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ report by Break Free From Plastic and GAIA unveils the true nature behind the facade, emphasizing that offsets fall short of effectively eliminating plastic pollution from the environment and raising significant concerns about their actual impact. Click here to download.
Zero Waste Academy: The Global Plastics Treaty Track
GAIA Asia Pacific and the Global plastics team are inviting participants to join the Global Plastic Treaty track under the Zero Waste Academy’s policy and advocacy track online. The program aims to provide knowledge and tools for engaging in the Global Plastic Treaty process and will include lectures, seminars, live discussions, and interactive sessions. The track consists of a general/core phase, followed by cross-cutting themes and a specialization phase, culminating in a campaign proposal for national advocacy and movement building. The track is asynchronous, and participants can complete it at their own pace. Register here: https://forms.gle/Q4nzhLTkWkeWbV629
The Global Plastics Treaty Newsletter
Stay informed about the latest developments and discover actionable steps to support a strong and binding #PlasticsTreaty as individuals, communities, and organizations.
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Resources






Indigenous voices resonate as they unveil the impact of colonialism, capitalism, and plastic pollution on their communities and ecosystems.





