#UNEA4: 170 Countries co-echoes India’s resolution to limit single-use plastic by 2030
Nairobi, Mar 16: India’s mission for Environmental issues is also a fuelled with Universal solutions and sustainable development. In 4th United Nations Environment Assembly, significantly for the first time, India piloted two resolutions on important global issues. The UNEA adopted both the resolutions with unanimity to curb single-use plastic by 2030.
The five-day assembly which concluded on Friday with the adoption of various resolutions including measures to address food waste, making efforts to deal with marine plastic litter and sustainable management of nitrogen.
170 countries have pledged to "significantly reduce" the use of plastics by 2030.
"It's hard to find one solution for all member states, The environment is at a turning point. We don't need verbose documents, we need concrete commitments," said Siim Kiisler UNEA president before the vote.
More than 4,700 delegates - including environment ministers, scientists and business figures presented for the meeting. The assembly is the world's top international environment body, and this week's pledge will set the tone for the UN's Climate Action Summit in September.
"The vast majority of countries came together to develop a vision for the future of global plastic governance," said David Azoulay from the Center for International Environmental Law.
India also hosted, in the High-Level Segment of UNEA, a session on “Global Partnerships: Key to Unlocking Resource Efficiency and Inclusive Green Economies”. The side event was attended by representatives of Member States, Civil Society Organizations, private sector organizations including leading financial institutions. The Side Event had a panel discussion which had High-Level diplomatic participation from Germany, Brazil, South Africa and senior management of international financial institutions. The mainstreaming of resource efficiency and the use of secondary raw materials through partnerships and action at scale is critical for moving towards a green economy.
While addressing the adaptation of these resolutions, Siim Kiisler, President of UNEA and Estonia’s environment minister said, “we have decided to do things differently. From reducing our dependence on single-use plastic to placing sustainability at the heart of all future developments. We will transform the way we are. We have the innovative solutions we need”.
Further, he said, “Now we must adopt the policies that allow us to implement innovative solutions”.
