On 12 January 2023, the Geneva Cities Hub provided a written submission to inform the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee responsible to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.
Cities and other local governments have significant influence over various parts of the lifecycle of plastics, which will be addressed by the new treaty. Indeed, while cities are responsible for a large part of plastic pollution worldwide, some local governments have also taken bold measures to prevent and address the blight (e.g., prohibition of single plastic-use items in public events). In most places, local governments are responsible for waste management including litter prevention and collection, recycling and preserving the local environment. They are also in touch with private actors dealing with plastic production and use. Given their important role in preventing and addressing plastic pollution, the GCH believes that local governments should be involved in the process related to the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. This should translate in including municipal representatives in the proceedings of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, as well as reference in the text to the role played by local governments in preventing and addressing plastic pollution. Further, the GCH suggests that the treaty foresee a specific provision enabling local governments to formally express their political commitment to abide by the purpose and objectives of the instrument, regardless of the position of their central administration.
As the INC will meet in Paris, France from 22 to 26 May 2023, the Geneva Cities Hub stands ready to carry the voice of local and regional governments and ensure that it is taken into account by States negotiating the new treaty.