Global Working Group Mobilized to Drive National Plastics Action for Global Treaty Implementation

Industry Insights from Next Move Strategy Consulting

As the international spotlight falls on Geneva for the anticipated conclusion of Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, a powerful new alliance emerges to bridge ambition and action at the national level. On August 4, 2025, the National Planning Working Group on Plastics Action was officially launched, providing essential tools, knowledge, and collaborative support aimed at translating treaty commitments into tangible results on the ground.

A Collaborative Force Unites for Impact

Comprising leading organizations such as Common Seas, Global Plastic Action Partnership (World Economic Forum), Global Plastics Policy Centre, IUCN, World Bank, WRAP, and Eunomia Research & Consulting, the Working Group brings a wealth of experience. Having already supported national plastics strategies in over 60 countries, these partners unite to address capacity gaps, unify stakeholders, and unlock investment for effective plastic action planning.

Launched alongside the final treaty negotiations, this initiative affirms a central truth: robust global rules must be paired with equally strong national execution.

“National plans have the potential to turn Treaty commitments into practical, coordinated action. But getting them right takes time, resources, and support. Our aim is to ensure countries aren’t left to figure it out alone and that they have access to tools, evidence, and shared experience to shape plans that are locally relevant and more likely to deliver lasting change,” said Dr Antaya March, Director of the Global Plastics Policy Centre.

National Planning: Pivotal to Treaty Success

The treaty’s draft text identifies national plans as the key mechanism for delivering obligations — whether reducing plastic production, optimizing waste management, or building circular economies. Despite strong aspirations, many countries grapple with barriers such as limited technical support, disjointed efforts, and financial constraints.

The Working Group has been created to help nations overcome these hurdles with coordinated, real-world guidance and partnership.

Unlocking Insights from Ground-Level Experience

Announcing its launch, the group published the report “Effective National Planning to Coordinate Action on Plastic Pollution,” offering distilled lessons from years of fieldwork. Among its insights:

• Engagement and transparency drive legitimacy; early private sector inclusion spurs investment and innovation.

• National plans must align with local contexts, but should include clear institutional roles, legal and financial structures, and integrated development goals.

• Effective planning is inseparable from long-term implementation.

• Clarity in national plans attracts and mobilizes financing from public, private, and blended sources.

• Existing support tools must be tailored to local realities and integrated with skill-building initiatives.

• Broader alignment with climate, biodiversity, and health ambitions increases both impact and political backing.

A Platform for Shared Action

Serving as a global hub, the Working Group facilitates peer exchange, technical expertise, and practical guidance. With a focus on reducing duplication and fragmented efforts, it encourages inclusive, country-led approaches shaped by local priorities and capacities.

Thais Vojvodic, Director of Partnerships at Common Seas, noted: “Several countries are already showing leadership by developing ambitious national strategies to tackle plastic pollution. Previous environmental agreements show that doing so can be a powerful tool to accelerate access to financing for implementation. This is vital for countries like Small Island Developing States, which are disproportionately impacted by plastic pollution. The Working Group is committed to continuing to support countries on the development of national planning and sharing learnings to accelerate action.”

Looking Ahead: Turning Treaty into Transformation

With the Global Plastics Treaty on the cusp of adoption, the importance of robust, well-supported national planning is undeniable. The National Planning Working Group on Plastics Action stands poised to empower all countries to fulfill their commitments and drive meaningful change.

This historic treaty represents a unique opportunity. With coordinated support, stakeholder engagement, and actionable national strategies, there is renewed hope for a world turning the tide against plastic pollution.

Source: https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/ 

Published By: Next Move Strategy Consulting