Belmonte joins Paris forum to end plastic pollution

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has taken part in an international forum to address plastic pollution held in Paris, France. 

Belmonte was among the speakers on Friday at the International Forum to End Plastic Pollution in Cities organized by the United Nations Environment Program. 

She was among the local officials invited to speak at a panel discussion on local innovations to beat the global plastic crisis. 

During the forum, Belmonte discussed the different programs, platforms and policies of the city government to reduce plastic waste. 

“As the only Philippine city that is part of the C40 Cities, she talked about the adoption of the Local Climate Change Action Plan for 2021-2050 that will guide the city towards climate resilience, green economic development and sustainable and livable communities for QCitizens,” the local government said in Filipino. 

“The circular economy approach of Quezon City also underscores the importance of efficient solid waste management through the implementation of two landmark ordinance that prohibits the use of single-use plastics and disposable materials… and the prohibition on the use of plastic bags in major establishments,” it added. 

Joining Belmonte in the panel were Ambikapur, India Commissioner Pratistha Mamgain and Casablanca, Morocco Mayor Nabila Rmili. 

It was moderated by Kobie Brand, deputy secretary general of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives-Local Governments for Sustainability.