Two months have already passed since UNEA 5.2 created momentum in the global environmental agenda! Its historic resolution ‘End Plastic Pollution: Towards an international legally binding instrument’ has already sparked reactions amongst a plethora of stakeholders.

The agreed timeline is extremely ambitious (the work should be completed by the end of 2024) and the clock is ticking! The first step will be the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG), taking place in Dakar (Senegal) between May 30th and June 1st.

A key element of the resolution relates to the engagement of all relevant stakeholders across the “full life cycle of plastics”. The Life Cycle Initiative is thus in a perfect position to co-convene a series of events during the OEWG, along with the Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML).

On Sunday May 29th, before the start of the OEWG, the Life Cycle Initiative and the GPML will organise a four-hour discussion encouraging all actors to participate and bring their perspectives. After setting the context with the science behind the key types of actions needed along the plastics life cycle, three panels will focus on the upstream, midstream and downstream parts of the plastics value chain.

In addition, lunchtime sessions will also be co-convened during the three days of the OEWG. These panel events will focus on cross-cutting topics, such as the participation of youth and consumers, finance and the socially just transition.

The Life Cycle Initiative looks forward to seeing a strong participation from the life cycle community in this process!