Plastic pollution has emerged as a global crisis, threatening ecosystems, human health, and the planet's overall well-being. Plastics are omnipresent in national markets and in international trade. Global exports of plastics or goods made from plastic have reached nearly $1.2 trillion in value and 369 million tonnes in 2021 and continues to grow. Trade, financial and investment measures can contribute to the reduction, reuse, substitution, recycling and better management of end-of-life waste.  

This side-event, moderated by the World Economic Forum, will feature representatives from organizations working on trade-related aspects of the plastics challenge, shedding light on different facets of trade measures in relation to plastic pollution. 

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) will present insights into plastics trade statistics and the role of plastic substitutes.

Plastics trade database

The World Trade Organization (WTO) will provide an update on the current state of the WTO Dialogue on Plastic Pollution and outline the Dialogue’s plans for concrete and effective outcomes at the upcoming WTO Ministerial Conference in February 2024, including the WTO Members efforts to address plastic pollution through trade-related mechanisms and measures. 

The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) will delve into the intersection of specific trade provisions for the plastics treaty, exploring the reduction of plastics trade through the full lifecycle of plastics and its legal and policy implications vis-a-vis current trade rules. Lastly, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) will share insights on trade-related aspects essential for improved end-of-life plastic management.  

The event will be a platform for participants to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with trade measures in the context of ending plastic pollution through the plastics treaty. Join us as we explore innovative solutions and forge partnerships to create a sustainable future for our planet. 

Programme

Moderator: Mr. Soumya Jeet kar, World Economic Forum.  

Opening remarks:

H.E. Ambassador Luis Vayas, Ecuador.

Mr. Christoffer Vestli, European Commission.

Speakers: 

UNCTAD: Plastics trade statistics and on the role of plastic substitutes. Speakers: Ms. Anu Peltola, Mr. David Vivas Eugui and Ms. Diana Barrowclough, UNCTAD. 

WTO:  The current state of the WTO Dialogue on Plastic Pollution and plans for the upcoming Ministerial Conference in February 2024. Speaker: Mr. Daniel Ramos, WTO Secretariat. 

CIEL:   The plastics treaty and the reduction of plastics trade through dedicated trade provisions Speaker: Ms. Helionor de Anzizu, CIEL. 

International Chamber of Commerce (ICC):  Addressing trade measures for improved downstream plastic management. Speaker: Mr. Vikas Chhajer, ICC & Gemini Corporation.

Q&A 

Summary and the way forward: Ms. Carolyn Deere Birkbeck, (TESS)