Experts for action against plastic pollution
A beach pictured littered with plastic garbage. PHOTO: REUTERS
Speakers at a discussion emphasised the critical need to combat plastic pollution for the well-being of humanity and the environment.
The event titled “Pakistan’s Roadmap for Plastic Action” was organised by the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) to mark Earth Day 2024.
The event, held at the COMSATS Secretariat, Islamabad, featured the introduction of the Pakistan National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), a government initiative implemented as part of the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) under the auspices of the World Economic Forum.
Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Climate Change and Environmental Conservation (CC&EC), Romina Khurshid Alam graced the occasion as the chief guest. Ambassadors, High Commissioners and diplomats from COMSATS member states and other countries in Islamabad also attended the event.
At the event, Romina emphasised Pakistan's pressing issue of plastic pollution, especially in the urban areas. She mentioned that Pakistan has taken certain proactive steps, such as banning single-use plastics and polythene bags in 2019 to mitigate plastic waste generation.
She further stressed the importance of global cooperation in combating plastic pollution, citing initiatives like the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) led by the World Economic Forum and UNEP.
She also highlighted the government's commitment to climate change adaptation and mitigation through policies like the National Adaptation Plan and initiatives such as the Living Indus Initiative, Recharge Pakistan, and GLOF-II, each of which aim to enhance climate resilience and protect vulnerable sectors of the economy and ecosystems.
In his opening remarks, the COMSATS Executive Director, Ambassador Dr Nafees Zakaria underscored the necessity of a cohesive global strategy to address the issue of plastic waste, emphasising the importance of not solely focusing on its sources.
“While enacting legislation and policy measures are commendable steps, the true challenge lies in their execution amidst resistance from pressure and interest groups,” said Dr Zakaria. “Our planet is not only grappling with plastic-related pollution but also facing a myriad of other man-made hazards contributing to climate change and environmental degradation.”
He highlighted that of particular concern is the often-overlooked impact of military activities and motivated imposed wars, which have yet to be addressed in international conventions and protocols.
Addressing the occasion, Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov expressed hope that hosting the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) in Azerbaijan will inject new momentum into climate action and international collaboration, furthering the objectives of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.
He underscored the importance of collective action among various stakeholders, including countries, international organizations, financial institutions, and the private sector, to deliver meaningful outcomes at COP29.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 6th, 2024.