Date: 22 July 2024

Time: 13.00 - 14.45 UTC

Registration Link: tiny.cc/r2b22july 

*Interpretations will be provided in French and Spanish with the support from IPEN.

Co-convened by: Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP (CYMG), International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC) and Health Care Without Harm

The detrimental effects of plastic pollution on human health are well-documented by scientific research, showcasing its impact mostly on the health of children and women as vulnerable groups, alongside with waste pickers and informal workers as vulnerable communities. The international community is actively seeking an ultimate solution to resolve this problem collectively. The UNEA resolution 5/14 was adopted in 2022 and became a pivotal regulatory approach to end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment in 2040, through the development of an international legally binding instrument (ILBI). The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) convened to support this mission with the ambition to complete the negotiations by the end of 2024. 

The discourse of the integration of health viewpoints in this plastics treaty discussion has become one of the important topics to be considered. The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) on Plastic Pollution will be convened on November 25th - December 1st, 2024 in Busan, Republic of Korea. INC-5 is expected to be the final session to finalize the lLBI for ending plastic pollution addressing the full life cycle of plastics. Therefore, it is crucial to navigate what are the best ways to integrate health perspectives in the plastics treaty. This webinar aims to explore how the treaty also needs to have a health-centric approach to address the multifaceted impacts of plastic pollution. By incorporating a health-centric perspective, the treaty can ensure that policies not only reduce environmental damage but also promote the well-being of communities worldwide. 

Purpose

1. To increase awareness and understanding of how the plastics treaty can protect the right to health, particularly women and children, alongside with waste pickers and informal workers.

2. To promote multiperspective dialogue from diverse stakeholders and knowledge exchange on the health, plastic pollution, and the treaty.

3. To explore health key issues that can be integrated into policy positions of stakeholder networks and groups for the INC-5 advocacy mission.

Keynote Speakers

1. WHO: Dr. Megha Rathi

2. FAO: Esther Garrido-Gamarro (tbc)

Panelists

1. Youth Health Professional: Dr. Poorvaprabha Patil

2. IPEN Youth Caucus: Sonia Buftheim

3. Endocrine Society: Andrea C Gore, PhD

4. GGTC: Laura Salgado

5. Health Care Without Harm: Dr. Michelle Reyes

6. Representative of Informal Waste Workers’ Community: tbc

Contact Information

Fithriyyah (fithriyyahiskandar@gmail.com)

Steven (steven.setiawan573@gmail.com)