Sir Molwyn Joseph Delivers Keynote Address at Paris International Forum on Ending Plastic Pollution in Cities

Chairman of the Antiguan Labor Party Sir Molwyn Joseph said:

“Excellences, Members of the High Ambition Coalition, it is an honor for me to address you today on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda.

I am delighted to join you here in Paris as we embark on the second leg of our journey to end plastic pollution.

My delegation eagerly looks forward to collaborating with all of you in the spirit of cooperation to accomplish the objectives set by the Inc. by the intended date of 2004.

I must emphasize that I stand before you today not only as a representative of Antigua and Barbuda but also as someone who recently attended the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

During that gathering, I keenly observed the critical link between plastic pollution and the health of our people.

Plastic pollution is not just a concern; it demands immediate and comprehensive action, particularly considering the disproportionate impact it has on small island developing states like mine.

It is crucial to acknowledge that small island developing states contribute very little to this plague, unlike the case of climate change.

While small islands continue to bear the brunt of the consequences of climate change, they are not primarily responsible for the majority of pollution in our atmosphere.

Given our vulnerability to environmental threats and unique geographical circumstances, plastic pollution places an additional strain on our limited waste management capacity, which is already stretched to its limits.

It adversely affects our economies, livelihoods, health, environment, and cultural ties to the marine ecosystem.

Therefore, while we appreciate the collective concern that unites us here today, as members of this coalition, we must remember that we have a narrow window of opportunity to address and mitigate the severe damage caused by plastics, not only to the environment but also to human health.

The microplastics ingested by fish ultimately end up on the plates of our citizens.

I propose that our High Ambition be directed as follows: first, we must focus on closing the tap by addressing the unsustainable sourcing and extraction of raw materials used in plastic production.

Additionally, strategies to reduce global plastic production to more sustainable levels must be devised.

The principles of circularity and sustainability must be integral to establishing design standards and criteria for both new and existing products.

To achieve this, we need to rely on sound science, information, data, and technology to develop targets for incorporating recycled content into new products and promoting viable alternatives.

In this regard, we must work toward progressively eliminating problematic polymers, chemicals, and additives that pose risks to human health and the environment.

When identifying materials to be managed under the global plastics regime, it is vital to establish safe alternatives.

We should seek to promote synergies with existing agreements such as the Basel Convention and the Cartagena Convention, which addresses marine environmental protection in the wider Caribbean region.

Our focus should be on targeting the most problematic and unnecessary plastic products, including marine plastic litter and microplastics.

The criteria for identifying these products must include items with the highest propensity to become plastic pollutants or those that pose risks of adverse effects.

States should progressively strive for a globally harmonized system for labeling products, with a particular emphasis on disclosing their contents to enable consumer choice and prevent leakage, especially in developing countries and small island developing states.

A concerted global effort is required to enhance the collection, sorting, recycling, and disposal of both recyclable and non-recyclable plastic waste.

Finally, our journey to end plastic pollution must encompass the remediation of legacy plastic pollution in the marine environment, which greatly impacts the health and biodiversity of small island developing states.

Moreover, as we call for the highest possible level of ambition in the global plastic treaty, we must also be assertive in demanding effective and robust provisions to ensure the participation and implementation by developed countries and small island developing states through the establishment of a comprehensive financial mechanism.

We require new, additional, adequate, and predictable means of implementation, including specific support provisions for small island developing states, including priority access.

The problem of plastic pollution is universal, but each nation’s natural circumstances and domestic context are unique.

We owe it to our present and future generations, many of whom are not here today, to leave them a world that is less polluted than the one we inherited.

In this regard, I would like to share some lessons we have learned from our experience in Antigua and Barbuda.

Firstly, we must harness the energy and imagination of our young people.

Two years ago, we initiated a project to recycle PET plastics, and within just one and a half years, the young people and families of Antigua and Barbuda collected over 9 million plastic bottles.

It is remarkable that much of this collection was driven by primary school children.

We must leverage their enthusiasm and engage them actively in the cause. Education plays a vital role, and we need to ensure that plastic pollution literacy becomes a priority in all societies.

In closing, I express my gratitude to all of you for your commitment and dedication to addressing the urgent issue of plastic pollution.

Together, we can make a significant impact in combating this global challenge. Let us work collaboratively to establish effective measures, promote sustainable practices, and drive innovative solutions.

By doing so, we can pave the way for a future where plastic pollution is no longer a threat to our environment, our health, and the well-being of future generations.

Thank you.”

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