A delegation from SACEP and a representative from UNOPS participated in the second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC 5.2) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (also known as The Global Plastics Treaty), in August 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The team attended the official opening plenary session for INC 5.2 on 05 Aug and SACEP recorded their Observers’ Statement available to view here. SACEP experts participated as panelists in the following side events in Geneva, held in the margins of the INC 5.2 negotiations. These engagements provided the opportunity to highlight the impact of the PLEASE project in South Asia to a broader global audience, and enhance SACEP’s visibility significantly.

Beating Plastic Pollution: Solutions Day, Co-hosted by GPAP, WRAP, the World Bank, the Global Plastics Policy Centre, and Common Seas

Panel 1 – Diverse perspectives on country Needs, moderated by the World Bank 

SACEP Director General Mr. Norbu Wangchuk joined the panel and addressed the challenges that South Asian countries face in managing plastic pollution, such as securing and effectively utilizing financing due to competing priorities and scarce resources within national governments. He emphasized the need for national plans to include private sector financing and stronger policy enforcement. Mr. Wangchuk also stated that regional institutions like SACEP are crucial for fostering collaboration and gaining the “political will” to tackle transboundary plastic pollution.

Photos by: World Economic Forum

Meet the Experts on EPR – Hosted by the World Bank and UNITAR

During the panel, SACEP’s International Plastic Expert Mr. Christof Delatter, highlighted that South Asian countries, despite varying readiness levels, have a shared willingness to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). He emphasized that EPR must not be a stand-alone policy; it requires a step-by-step approach, aligning with other national policies to integrate all value chain actors, from producers to recyclers.

Collaborative action to advance impact on the Global Plastics Agenda – Hosted by the World Bank Group

Panelist SACEP Director General Mr. Wangchuk stated that plastic pollution is a transboundary issue in South Asia, requiring regional cooperation. He urged funders to adopt a regional approach, rather than fragmented financing, to support institutions like SACEP. This would help align policies, mobilize private sector finance, and generate the political will needed for high-impact, integrated solutions.

Regional Block Grantee, Bangladesh Petrochemical Company Limited (BPCL), was highlighted at the event for its impactful work under the PLEASE project.