The Global Plastics Treaty and Implications for Southeast Asia | Webinar | ADB SEADS

More than 462 million tons of plastic are produced annually, with an estimated 9 million to 14 million tons ending up in oceans. In 2019, plastics generated approximately 1.8 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to about 3.8% of the world’s total, which may reach 10%-13% by 2050. In March 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly adopted a resolution to develop an internationally binding agreement to end plastic pollution. Negotiations are ongoing to finalize the Global Plastics Treaty, which seeks to establish a comprehensive framework that addresses all stages of the plastic lifecycle-from production to use and disposal.
This webinar examined the treaty’s potential impact on the region's environmental and economic landscape. It also explored how Southeast Asia can navigate, finance, and benefit from the global shift toward a circular plastics economy.
The webinar was organized by the Green Finance Hub (GFH) of Asian Development Bank's Southeast Asia Department and the ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility (ACGF). It was hosted by ADB's Southeast Asia Development Solutions (SEADS) platform.
The GFH provides crosscutting support to ADB's developing member countries in Southeast Asia to accelerate green investments and advance innovative financing solutions in response to the region's climate, energy, and financing needs. The ACGF is an ASEAN Infrastructure Fund initiative supporting governments in Southeast Asia to prepare and finance infrastructure projects that promote environmental sustainability and contribute to climate change goals. The ACGF is owned by ASEAN governments and ADB and is managed by GFH.
Speakers
• Roger Joseph Guzman, International Legal Specialist (Consultant), Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department, ADB
• Mahesh Pradhan, Coordinator, Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA)-United Nations Environment Programme
• Umesh Madhavan, Research Director, The Circulate Initiative
Raquel Smith Ortega, Chief, Climate Change Mainstreaming and Integration Division, Climate Change Service, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippines
• James Baker, Senior Circular Economy Specialist, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department, ADB
• Anna Fink, Senior Country Economist, Indonesia Resident Mission, ADB
• Ghislain de Valon, Senior Infrastructure Specialist (Innovation and Green Finance), Southeast Asia Department, ADB
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