The 11th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) convened in Bangkok, Thailand from 20-23 February 2024, rallying stakeholders around the imperative of reinforcing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and tackling poverty amid a backdrop of multifaceted crises. Integral to these deliberations were the roundtable discussions, with a particular focus on Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17), partnerships for the goals, which is a keystone in the structure of PLEASE Project for we believe in strategic regional partnerships in the goals towards a plastic free South Asia and empowered communities with special focus on women involved in plastic waste management. In addition PLEASE Project representatives offered actionable pathways for inclusive and impactful development across the region that would mean structural change and cohesive behavioural changing structures within the potential collaborative regional projects.
At the heart of the discourse lay the concept of effective development cooperation. Participants underscored the pivotal role played by global partnerships, advocating for a blend of traditional models—both bilateral and multilateral—and innovative approaches to harness collective action towards achieving sustainable development objectives.
Central to the discussions was the perspective of Asian-based conglomerates in shaping policy landscapes and driving sustainable development initiatives. Insights surfaced on the significance of aligning corporate strategies with broader developmental goals and fostering synergies between private sector actors and governmental policies. PLEASE Project’s role in plastic waste management—an integral focus of the initiative—was highlighted, positioning it within the larger discourse on sustainable solutions.
A recurring theme throughout the discussions was the imperative for new cooperation models. Stakeholders called for a unified approach, advocating for streamlined organizational structures that bridge the divide between civil, private, and cooperative sectors. There was a clarion call to integrate disparate forums, such as UNESCAP, to optimize collaboration efforts and maximize impact.
Inclusivity emerged as a cornerstone principle, with a strong emphasis on ensuring representation from marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, in decision-making processes and development initiatives. The ASEAN platform was lauded for its role in fostering inclusivity, with calls for enhanced external support to bolster such endeavors.
Capacity building and collaboration were highlighted as linchpins for progress. Participants stressed the importance of horizontal and vertical policy implementation collaborations, echoing the sentiment of the “No One Left Behind” agenda for the Asia-Pacific region. The emphasis was on prioritizing country-specific needs and forging robust partnerships between governments, civil societies, and funders. PLEASE Project representatives highlighted that this was a core narrative in the project’s structure elaborating on how the focus groups under the grantee projects range from policymakers in the plastic sector to the waste pickers on the ground, specially females who have the care burden responsibilities towards their families and children. The project’s commitment to gender inclusivity in waste management was underscored, establishing the critical role of addressing the unique challenges faced by women in the sector. The statistic that approximately 59 percent of post-consumer plastic is processed informally worldwide underscored the urgency of creating inclusive waste management systems. The initiatives of the grantees under the PLEASE Project were highlighted in terms of the capacity building initiatives in the plans that result in empowering these focus groups and even offering educational avenues for the children who are a secondary focus group. The project’s advocacy for gender-inclusive approaches to waste management, aimed at dismantling barriers to equality and empowering women in the sector, resonated strongly with participants.
Conversations also delved into the challenges faced by youth-led initiatives, particularly in securing funding for participation in forums like APFSD. Despite facing funding hurdles, it was recognized that even smaller stakeholders wield considerable influence in driving actionable outcomes.
Climate financing and gender equality emerged as focal points of discussion, with participants advocating for equitable partnerships and the recognition of informal care work performed by women. The imperative of fostering fairness and inclusivity in collaborations was underscored as pivotal in advancing sustainable development goals.
Representatives of the PLEASE Project lent their insights, shedding light on the transformative potential of initiatives that rally stakeholders around a common cause. They emphasized the importance of time-bound frameworks, such as PLEASE, in solidifying programmatic foundations and attracting new funding partners such as the pivotal role of private sector involvement in reinforcing sustainability efforts. The engagement of the private sector brings valuable resources, expertise, and innovation to the table, driving efficiency and scalability in sustainable initiatives.
In essence, the roundtable discussions at APFSD 2024 served as a crucible for forging consensus and charting a course of action towards realizing SDG 17 and broader sustainable development aspirations in the Asia-Pacific region. By fostering effective partnerships, promoting inclusivity, and surmounting funding barriers, stakeholders are poised to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, leaving no one behind.
Read article on PLEASE Project connects the Dots at APFSD 2024: Plastic Pollution, Climate Change, and Gender-Inclusivity
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