While negotiations on a binding international treaty on plastics are still ongoing, this day will be an opportunity for the FSWP to reiterate the importance of understanding the challenge of waste management (plastics and other materials) as a challenge of resource management throughout their life cycle.

Improving waste management systems around the world, for Environmentally Sound Management everywhere and for everyone, is therefore a necessary first step, from prevention to safe final disposal. The challenges and pressures posed by the end of life of goods on the triple planetary crisis require profound changes in our modes of production, consumption, and use. With global warming reaching 1.6°C in 2024, the shift from a flow management approach to a management of existing stocks is essential, and this international day is an opportunity to emphasize that the priority is to prevent waste generation.