Since the invention of plastic in 1868, the world we are living in has unwittingly unleashed a Pandora’s box of environmental challenges. The consequences of plastic pollution may haunt us for generations to come, defining our era as the plastic age. If we do not take decisive action to stop plastic pollution, plastic waste could become the only legacy we leave for future generations.

On November 7, 2024, at Seoul City Hall, ICLEI East Asia Secretariat, as a key partner, supported the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) in hosting the Seoul International Forum on Climate and Environment 2024 (SIFCE). ICLEI East Asia organized a special panel discussion, featuring representatives from three major capitals in Asia and a European city, sharing innovative solutions to plastic pollution. The session was moderated by Mr. Shu Zhu, Regional Director of ICLEI East Asia.

Group photo of the forum(source:ICLEI)

This year’s forum, under the theme “Plastic Zero, My Hero for the City”, focused on the global challenge of plastic pollution, especially its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. The Forum highlighted climate solutions, youth-led climate initiatives, and various activities to engage participants, raise awareness, and deepen understanding of plastic pollution. Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, delivered the opening remarks. “The plastic pollution issue is one of the greatest challenges that humanity is facing”, he says, “and we need to be able to respond thoroughly and swiftly.” Seoul City has been leading the way in implementing proactive recycling policies and has already reduced approximately 12 million single-use plastic items in 2024. The goal is to reduce plastic waste by 10% by 2026 and to raise the recycling rate to 79%.

His address was followed by congratulatory remarks from H.E. Maria Castillo Fernández, the EU Ambassador to Korea, and H, E. Amit Kumar, the Indian Ambassador to Korea. The keynote was delivered by Professor Jang Yong-Chul of Chungnam National University, who spoke about a global plastic treaty for a circular economy, urging action from both the public and the government. Other notable speakers included Mr. Choi Pyeong Soon from EBS, who discussed “Plastic of the Anthropocene,” and Dr. Oyun Sanjaasuren from the Green Climate Fund, who emphasized the connection between climate change and plastic pollution in oceans.

Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of Seoul, gave a speech at the Opening of the forum(source: SMG)

 

ICLEI East Asia moderated a panel discussion with officials from Bangkok, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, and Matosinhos on “International Efforts to Stop Plastic Use”. In this session, each city shared its projects and programs to reduce plastic use and pollution.

Group photo of ICLEI session(source: ICLEI)

 

City Initiatives to Reduce Plastic Use

  

 

Tassanee Artwichit, Sanitation Technical Officer of the Environment Department, Bangkok, Thailand (source: ICLEI EAS)

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched the “Bottle-Free Project” in partnership with the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF). Ten refillable water stations have been installed in public parks, bus stops, shopping centers, and tourist spots to reduce reliance on plastic bottles. BMA highlighted the importance of strong policy support from national and local governments, collaboration with the private sector, and citizen engagement as key factors for success.

Di Zheng, Level 1 Principal Staff Member of Ecology and Environment Bureau, Beijing, China (source:ICLEI)

Since adopting a zero-waste policy in 2018, Beijing has focused on reducing plastic waste, including limiting single-use plastic products and promoting greener packaging in industries such as catering and e-commerce. The “Beijing Municipal Plastic Pollution Control Action Plan (2020-2025)” emphasizes a management system based on government guidance, market self-discipline, and public-private partnerships. Beijing also showcased a platform that connects enterprises to recyclable and degradable technologies.

Nor Halizam binti Ismail, Specialist Medical Officer of Health and Environment Department, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (source:ICLEI)

Kuala Lumpur has initiated the ‘Zero Plastic Campaign Programme’ to promote sustainable practices and reduce plastic consumption across various sectors. The city’s awareness campaign, CEPA (Continue Education Promotion Awareness), aims to promote reusable plastics, especially in shopping malls. Government regulations restrict plastic use in restaurants. Kuala Lumpur emphasizes the need for strong leadership, comprehensive policies, enforcement mechanisms, and community involvement to advance sustainable practices.

Tiago Lopes, Senior Technician in Environmental Monitoring, Matosinhos, Portugal (source:ICLEI)

 

As a coastal city, Matosinhos is dedicated to protecting its marine environment from plastic pollution. Recognizing that 20% of its plastic waste comes from fishing activities, the city collaborates with the fishing industry in cleanup efforts, recycling programs, and public awareness campaigns involving students. The City also turns collected waste into art to help change public perceptions of plastic use. 

ICLEI’s Role in Facilitating Global Collaboration on Tackling Plastic Pollution

ICLEI also advocated for the Local and Subnational Governments Coalition to End Plastic Pollution at the forum. The coalition was officially launched in April 2024 by ICLEI, the Gouvernement du Québec, the Government of Catalonia, UCLG, and other Partners to tackle plastic pollution and issued a call for action. It includes local and subnational governments, city networks, and other organizations, and emphasizes the urgent need for collective action at all levels of society and government. It also aims to ensure that the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee acknowledges the vital role of local and subnational governments in dealing with the plastics crisis. The Fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) will be held from November 25 to December 1, 2024, in Busan, South Korea. ICLEI, along with its partners, will support local governments in making further progress in combating plastic pollution.

The forum provided a platform to highlight the essential role local governments play in tackling climate change, with a focus on reducing plastic waste. Reaffirming its commitment to supporting urban sustainability, ICLEI will continuously emphasize sharing resources, promoting peer learning, and fostering global collaboration. ICLEI East Asia is committed to facilitating exchanges that empower cities to strengthen and scale up their climate resilience and sustainable development strategies. 

Group photo of SMG and ICLEI EAS (source:ICLEI)