The final negotiations for a binding global plastics treaty approach will be emerging new initiatives to help countries plan and deliver national strategies.
Looking at the world, the government is expected to meet in Geneva this week to be the final stage of negotiations on the historic Global Plastics Treaty (INC-5.2).
The purpose of this treaty aims to establish binding international regulations to end plastic pollution. The global scope of the treaty is ambitious, but its success depends heavily on what happens at the national level.
Recognizing this, we have confirmed that a new National Planning Working Group on Plastic Action has launched today and equipped with the tools, knowledge and support needed to translate treaty commitments into actual actions.
Collaborative forces with proven impacts
The newly established working group has alliances of impactful organizations, including common, Global Plastic Action Partnership (World Economic Forum), Global Plastic Policy Centre, IUCN, World Bank, Lap, and Eunomie Research & Consulting.
Collectively, these organizations already support national plastic action plans in more than 60 countries. Their combined expertise will help bridge the key gaps in national capabilities, from technical support to stakeholder coordination to investment mobilization.
The initiative was revealed on the sidelines of treaty negotiations and sent a clear message. Strong global rules should be consistent with equally strong national action.
Dr. Antaya March, director of Global Plastics Policy Center, explained:
“Our aim is to ensure that the country is not left to grasp it alone, and to have access to tools, evidence and shared experiences to shape plans that are relevant locally and likely to lead to lasting change.”
Why is national planning the backbone of treaties?
The draft treaty proposes a national plan as a key mechanism for implementing treaty obligations.
A well-structured national plan is essential to make treaties effective, such as reducing plastic production, waste management, and enabling circular economy.
However, many countries struggle to turn their ambitions into action. Lack of technical support, fragmented efforts, and inadequate funding are just some of the challenges.
The new working group is designed to overcome these barriers by providing a reliable, coordinated support system based on real-world experience.
The new report highlights what makes national plans work
To mark its launch, the Working Group has announced an “Effective National Plan for Coordinating Actions on Plastic Contamination,” created by the Global Plastics Policy Center.
This report outlines what distills lessons from years of ground work and makes national planning effective.
Key insights include:
Promoting successful engagement: A comprehensive and transparent plan builds legitimacy and public trust. Early engagement in the private sector is essential for innovation and investment. Structure on the template: National plans should reflect local contexts, but clearly define the role of the institution and align with broader development goals, including legal and financial frameworks. Plans equal implementation: Effective national strategies treat plans as the beginning of long-term implementation, not individual stages. Investments follow clarity. Countries with detailed national plans are in a better position to secure funding through public, private and mixed funds. Support exists, but needs to be adjusted. Many tools already exist, from templates to case studies, but they need to adapt to local reality and link to capacity building efforts. Wide integrity increases impact: Plans to integrate climate, biodiversity, and health agendas are more likely to have lasting consequences with political support.
Platform for collaboration and action
The working group serves as a global hub for peer exchange, practical guidance, and technical expertise. It aims to reduce duplication, avoid fragmented efforts, and promote shared learning among countries.
The group highlights a comprehensive locally driven process adapted to national priorities and capabilities, recognizing that there are no solutions that fit all sizes.
Governments, development agencies, businesses and technology partners are encouraged to work with working groups whether they are beginning their planning journey or refine existing efforts.
Common’s Partnership Director Thais Vojvodic added:
“Previous environmental agreements show that doing so could be a powerful tool to accelerate access to funding for implementation, which is essential for countries like small island developing countries that are disproportionately affected by plastic pollution.
“The Working Group is committed to continuing to support the nation in developing national plans and shared learning to accelerate action.”
The Way: Make the Treaty a reality
With the Global Plastics Treaty close to adoption, it is clear that national planning will be the scope of its success.
The implementation group for the National Plan on Plastic Action is ready to enable the nation to not only be part of the agreement, but also to fulfill its promises.
This global treaty represents an opportunity at one time. Adjusted support and action at all levels can ultimately turn the tide of plastic pollution.
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