Global Coalition Advocates Action on Plastic Pollution at WTO Conference

Thursday 29 February 2024 - 08:12

Six Nations Advocate for Plastic Restrictions at Trade Summit

A coalition of six nations has called upon their trade partners this week to take concrete steps toward curbing plastic pollution. Led by Morocco, Australia, Barbados, China, Ecuador, and Fiji, this initiative was unveiled at the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva.

Expanding on their declaration from the previous WTO summit in June, the coalition reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the pervasive issue of plastic waste through multilateral cooperation. They underscored the urgent need for tangible measures to combat the environmental, health, and economic impacts of plastics through targeted restrictions and incentives.

Specifically, the coalition advocates for bans on single-use plastics, eco-design requirements for plastic products, implementation of eco-labeling schemes, and financial support for sustainable alternatives. Morocco's Trade Minister, Ryad Mezzour, emphasized his country's focus on improving traceability and establishing comprehensive recycling systems to reduce disposable plastic consumption.

With 78 nations, representing over 85% of global trade, now endorsing discussions on plastic pollution, Mezzour sees opportunities for meaningful progress through global collaboration. The declaration aims to enhance transparency regarding plastic trade flows, phase out hazardous types of plastic, and encourage the development of non-plastic substitutes.

Amidst escalating waste levels and mounting environmental costs, this week's summit provided a crucial platform for addressing one of the planet's most pressing issues through coordinated trade regulation. As the highest decision-making body for the WTO, leaders will continue their urgent dialogue on sustainably modernizing commerce to tackle the escalating plastic crisis.