Keynote Speech & Plenary Discussion

• Associate Program Officer (Human rights and Environment), UN Environment Programme

How is an inclusive and rights-based approach critical to sustainable market mechanisms for plastic circularity?

The human rights implications of the plastic pollution crisis is most felt by marginalised communities. Market-based mechanisms and instruments that are introduced to address the growing concern of plastic pollution in the region and drive circularity need to empower and enable – rather than hinder – these marginalised groups. Furthermore, targeted support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), civil society actors and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working on circularity solutions should be a key consideration in the implementation of these market-based mechanisms to ensure inclusivity in the transition to a circular economy.

The focus of this panel discussion will be on

• How organizations can integrate inclusivity whilst implementing market-based mechanisms and instruments across the plastic value chain
• Draw out the importance of adopting a human rights-based approach (HRBA) while working with marginalized groups.
• Exchange insights on how responsible business conduct can drive sustainable positive impact to all actors along the plastic value chain