November 29, 2023
"Beyond Borders: Working Regionally to Tackle Plastic Pollution" is a crucial initiative organized by the World Bank in collaboration with the UN, supported by PROBLUE. This in-person event, conducted on Thursday, November 16, at the Tribe Hotel in Nairobi, sought to explore and discuss regional strategies and initiatives aimed at combatting plastic pollution on a global scale.
The objective of the event was to shed light on regional approaches in the fight against plastic pollution, with a focus on programs across the world. The session included a moderated panel discussion addressing common issues such as plastic waste trade, abandoned fishing gear, and innovation, with an emphasis on the benefits of adopting a regional perspective.
The event commenced with opening remarks from a PROBLUE donor, setting the stage for Ms. Anjali Acharya, Marine Plastics Lead and Senior Environmental Engineer at the World Bank, to provide a scene-setting overview. During the subsequent session, moderated by Tao Wang, a Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank, pointed out the regional programs for plastics and regional seas programs, outlining common concerns and emphasizing the advantages of regional collaboration.
Representatives from East Asia, South Asia, West Africa, small island states, and experts on abandoned fishing gear presented their own regional initiatives. Mr. Kapila Rajapaksha, Environment Specialist of Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia- PLEASE project presented the work carried out by the project in the South Asia region. A Q&A session provided an opportunity for participants to engage with the presenters.
Ms. Rokeya Khaton, Director General of SACEP participated as one of the panelists for the moderated discussion which focused on challenges and opportunities in working regionally. Panelists addressed topics such as trade in plastic products, managing plastic waste trade, regional platforms for knowledge and training, and the establishment of regional recycling hubs.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Feng Wang, a Programme Officer at UNEP, providing a platform for participants to connect and collaborate on shared goals in the fight against plastic pollution.
