Synopsis
At the World Economic Forum 2025, 25 countries unite in a significant initiative against global plastic pollution and climate change, focusing on systemic waste management and sustainability.Key Takeaways
- 25 countries are now part of the GPAP initiative.
- New participants include Angola, Bangladesh, and others.
- GPAP has mobilized $3.1 billion in investments.
- Plastic pollution is a major contributor to climate change.
- Circular economy initiatives could create 6 million jobs by 2030.
Davos, Jan 24 (NationPress) As the issue of plastic waste remains a pressing global concern, seven additional nations have joined the campaign against plastic pollution, bringing the total to 25 during the recently held World Economic Forum’s annual gathering here.
The new participants—Angola, Bangladesh, Gabon, Guatemala, Kenya, Senegal, and Tanzania—will enhance the efforts of the WEF’s Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) by improving systemic plastic waste management practices and promoting greater sustainability and climate resilience worldwide.
These countries will also pursue comprehensive solutions to critical issues, including the advancement of sustainable materials, enhancement of recycling systems, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and more.
“Achieving this 25-nation landmark is not merely a numerical achievement; it signifies the increasing global commitment to address one of the planet’s most urgent issues,” stated Clemence Schmid, Director of GPAP at the World Economic Forum.
“These collaborations are not just symbolic; they reflect tangible commitments to rethink how plastics are produced, managed, and repurposed. Together, we are paving the way toward a circular plastics economy that benefits both humanity and the environment,” Schmid added.
The GPAP has already secured $3.1 billion in investments, facilitated safer employment for informal waste workers, and assisted nations in making measurable advancements in sustainability and climate resilience.
Approximately 6 million tonnes of plastic waste are released into oceans annually, with over twice that amount contaminating land. Mismanaged plastic waste disrupts ecosystems, endangers biodiversity, and jeopardizes human health and livelihoods globally.
In addition to mitigating plastic pollution, GPAP plays a crucial role in fighting climate change. Plastic pollution contributes an estimated 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
GPAP’s comprehensive approach to waste management can significantly lower landfill emissions, such as methane—over 80 times more potent than CO2 in the short term. It aims to foster circular systems and contribute to the reduction of emissions from the plastics sector while promoting economic growth through green job creation.
Furthermore, it targets the establishment of circular solutions that could generate 6 million jobs worldwide by 2030, with the plastics sector being a key driver of this transformation.
