UN Secretary-General António Guterres urges negotiators in Cali, Colombia, to create an “ambitious, credible, and just” treaty to combat plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for urgent action and recognition of waste-pickers' vital role in recycling efforts.
In a compelling address delivered in Cali, Colombia, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for an “ambitious, credible, and just” treaty to tackle the escalating crisis of plastic pollution.
Speaking at an intergovernmental panel focused on developing a legally binding international instrument, Guterres underscored the importance of addressing the needs of communities worldwide, including the estimated 20 million waste-pickers who play a crucial role in managing plastic waste.
“We are choking on plastic,” Guterres stated, highlighting the alarming statistic that humanity produces over 460 million metric tons of plastic annually, with half of it designed for single-use. He warned that by 2050, the amount of plastic in the oceans could exceed the number of fish, calling this potential reality a grave threat to both human health and the environment.
The Secretary-General called on negotiators to finalize an agreement by the end of 2024, as reaffirmed by Member States in a recent commitment known as the Pact for the Future.
This gathering in Colombia follows a series of multilateral discussions initiated after the UN Environment Assembly’s landmark decision in 2022 to seek global solutions to the plastic pollution crisis. A fifth and potentially final meeting is scheduled for Busan, South Korea, from November 25 to December 1.
“There is a pressing need for action,” he insisted, noting that people worldwide are demanding effective solutions to the crisis. He framed the ongoing negotiations as an opportunity to showcase that multilateralism, despite its challenges, can yield positive outcomes for people and the planet.
Recognizing the crucial role of waste-pickers in managing plastic waste, Guterres highlighted their contribution to collecting approximately 60% of all plastic designated for recycling globally.
The call for a just global treaty reflects the need to consider the needs of waste-pickers and others reliant on plastic collection for their livelihoods. The landmark UN Environment Assembly resolution UNEA-5/14 acknowledges their significant contributions to collecting, sorting, and recycling plastics in numerous countries.
As countries gather in Colombia to devise a plan to combat plastic pollution, the world watches closely, hoping for meaningful and transformative agreements that prioritize both environmental sustainability and social equity.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of runaway conflicts, rampant inequalities, the raging climate crisis, and out-of-control technology, urging ceasefires in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, stronger peacekeeping, and nuclear disarmament, stating "global problems demand global solutions
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed condolences following the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in western Kazakhstan, which claimed the lives of many, including citizens from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia.
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, has expressed growing concerns about the humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing conflict and targeted attacks on energy infrastructure. Recent strikes have left millions without power amid freezing temperatures.
The UN refugee agency expects 1 million Syrian refugees to return in early 2025 but urges nations not to force returns, citing ongoing humanitarian needs and uncertainty after rebels seized power.
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been reached, with hostages set to be released after over 15 months of conflict. The deal also includes a prisoner exchange, offering hope for peace despite ongoing violence in Gaza.
After the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a law that could ban TikTok over national security concerns, President Biden stated the final decision would rest with the next president, Donald Trump, who is reportedly considering a temporary delay of enforcement
A fire ravaged a shopping mall in Culiacán, Mexico, on January 16, 2025, causing significant damage, including the collapse of the roof housing a casino. Emergency responders worked to control the blaze, with one injury and two others treated for nervous breakdowns. Cause remains unknown.
Russia and Iran have agreed to intensify cooperation in developing international transport corridors, especially the North-South corridor. The move aims to improve trade flows and create smoother transportation conditions for goods traveling through both countries.
The Houthis, ruling northern Yemen, have claimed responsibility for the seventh drone attack on the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman since its arrival in the Red Sea. The group also warned it is monitoring developments in the Gaza Strip.
Reports of a two-month halt in Azerbaijani gas supplies to Serbia are false. Despite a technical issue at Shah Deniz Alpha, Shah Deniz Bravo ensures steady exports, with supplies set to resume soon. BP confirms no damage or environmental impact.
Coast Guard divers Chuck Fox and Corey Smith from the US Cutter *Polar Star* successfully repaired a leaking shaft in the freezing waters of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica.
Azerbaijan has temporarily halted its contracted natural gas supply to Bulgaria following a technical issue at BP's Alpha platform in the Shah Deniz gas field.
As we welcome the new year, it’s time to focus on species needing urgent conservation in 2025. From delicate lizards to mighty hornbills and massive sharks, all face the threat of extinction.
Over 100 Paris 2024 Olympic medals were returned due to quality issues linked to EU regulations and an untested varnish formula. The IOC has pledged to replace all defective medals.
As we approach 2025, extreme weather events are becoming the new normal. From heatwaves to flooding, climate change is accelerating and reshaping life on Earth. In this article, we explore how these shifts will affect our ecosystems, economies, and daily lives in the years ahead.
As we welcome the new year, it’s time to focus on species needing urgent conservation in 2025. From delicate lizards to mighty hornbills and massive sharks, all face the threat of extinction.
St. Helena, 1,930 kilometers off Namibia’s coast, now has the world’s most remote EV charging point. With just four electric cars, the island is working to expand its fleet and reduce fossil fuel reliance through sustainable energy.
On January 16th, Mars will reach a rare opposition, making it 900 times brighter than the faintest visible star. It will appear larger and brighter, providing perfect opportunities for observation with the naked eye or a telescope
COP29 in Azerbaijan set key rules for carbon credit trading, boosting the global carbon market. Early adopters like Japan, Singapore, and South Korea aim to meet climate goals, while ASEAN explores a regional approach for emissions reduction and economic growth.
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been reached, with hostages set to be released after over 15 months of conflict. The deal also includes a prisoner exchange, offering hope for peace despite ongoing violence in Gaza.
After the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a law that could ban TikTok over national security concerns, President Biden stated the final decision would rest with the next president, Donald Trump, who is reportedly considering a temporary delay of enforcement
A fire ravaged a shopping mall in Culiacán, Mexico, on January 16, 2025, causing significant damage, including the collapse of the roof housing a casino. Emergency responders worked to control the blaze, with one injury and two others treated for nervous breakdowns. Cause remains unknown.
Russia and Iran have agreed to intensify cooperation in developing international transport corridors, especially the North-South corridor. The move aims to improve trade flows and create smoother transportation conditions for goods traveling through both countries.
The Houthis, ruling northern Yemen, have claimed responsibility for the seventh drone attack on the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman since its arrival in the Red Sea. The group also warned it is monitoring developments in the Gaza Strip.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment