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.

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