In a powerful display of regional cooperation and commitment to environmental sustainability, the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas: A Vision for South Asia Regional Roundtable Discussion was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka and organized by the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) Project, this two-day event marked the culmination of a series of high-level national discussions, serving as a critical platform to consolidate efforts against plastic pollution across South Asia.
This pivotal forum marked the powerful convergence of national dialogues sparked by previous high-level roundtables in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Recognizing that the challenge of plastic pollution transcends borders, this gathering underscored the critical need for regional collaboration and shared solutions.
Participants engaged in dynamic discussions, not just sharing ideas but actively building the framework for a circular plastic economy through policy advocacy and strong public-private partnerships. The focus was clear: to explore and implement innovative strategies and technologies for sustainable waste management and recycling that will benefit the entire region.
The PLEASE Project, implemented by South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), with support from the World Bank and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is South Asia’s largest regional initiative to combat marine plastic pollution and promote sustainable plastic use through innovation, public-private partnerships, and circular economy solutions.
