There is increasing international policy and research interest on the environmental and social problems associated with marine plastics. In particular, at the end of November this year, the first round of international negotiations will take place for a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution. Based on these international policy trends and in line with the latest research results, government policy, efforts by industry, and issues raised by NGOs, this session will discuss the expectations and challenges for international cooperation on plastic pollution. First, a keynote speech on the Global Plastic Outlook published by the OECD this year will provide an overview of this issue. Next, by introducing the research results by the two prominent researchers leading research projects under Environmental Research General Promotion Fund, the session will introduce the issues that should be considered in relation to plastic pollution.

Then, the session will be followed by the panel to discuss expectations and challenges of international cooperation for plastic pollution countermeasures and the establishment of a circular economy. In the beginning of the panel a participant in the international negotiation will introduce an overview of the first round of international negotiations for a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution, which was held the week before this session. While hearing governmental policy, initiatives from industry, and issues raised by NGOs, the panel will discuss expectations and challenges of international cooperation for plastic pollution.

The session will close with remarks by the Director of the Secretariat of the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI)