MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines backed a resolution that paves the way for the creation of an international treaty targetting to end plastic pollution.
Co-sponsored by the Philippines, the resolution titled “Resolution to End plastic pollution: Towards an international legally binding instrument” was adopted at the United Nation Environment Assembly’s session held from February 28 to March 2.
“The resolution starts the process to craft an international legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution, addressing the full lifecycle of plastic products, from production, design to disposal,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday.
The three-day UNEA hybrid session was attended by 3,000 in-person delegates and 1,500 online participants from 175 UN member states.
The DFA said the resolution aims to complete the treaty by 2024, just as the next session of UNEA will be held in its headquarters in Nairobi.
UNEA adopted 14 resolutions in total, including resolutions on enhancing the circular economy, sustainable lake management, nature-based solutions for supporting sustainable development, and biodiversity and health, among others.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) also held a special session to mark the agency’s 50th year of service.
UNEP—through 193-member states, civil society representatives, businesses as well as other stakeholders and business groups—puts forward the world’s environment agenda.