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A just transition framed within a human-rights-based approach offers opportunities for all. Beyond the climate context, there are intersections between environmental concerns, biodiversity protection, and achieving just transitions across a variety of sectors linked to plastics and the full plastics value chain.

A socially inclusive just transition is the key to achieving synergies with the Paris Agreement NDCs (UNDP, 2022), the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), and the creation of holistic policies and measures which work towards social, environmental, and economic integration ambitions.

The global plastics treaty should elevate just transition from a secondary consideration to a core guiding framework for the circular transition by integrating holistic, ethical solutions benefiting people and planet. This can be done through the retention of the proposed, dedicated article on just transitions in the treaty text as well as by mainstreaming just transitions throughout the treaty text, from binding and voluntary requirements to reporting, oversight and compliance mechanisms.

Why are just transition and social inclusion so important for our future and for a new Global Plastics Treaty?

A just transition to a more sustainable and circular plastics economy will impact workers and communities on many levels, so there the need for support for displaced workers and affected communities is essential for a fair and equitable transformation. Successful implementation once a Treaty is delivered will require buy-in and participation from diverse stakeholders, incorporating principles of social inclusion is likely to strengthen the Treaty's effectiveness.

While mitigating the impact of plastics of concern and mismanaged waste is urgent, actions must take a holistic approach to bring positive impact for both people and planet. This is why just transition is at the heart of our work at Yunus Environment Hub where we support social business entrepreneurs that offer scalable circular economy solutions. We urge negotiators to take advantage of this critical moment at INC5 to incorporate just transition as a core element in the ILBI to build the foundation for holistic impact that benefits people and planet. - Christina Jäger, Co-founder & Managing Director, Yunus Environment Hub

In our work at GIZ, we are guided by the frameworks established by the German Government, which is deeply committed to advancing the Agenda 2030. In the area of waste management and circular economy, we prioritize key aspects such as inclusivity, gender equality, and job creation. These principles have always been integral to our approach. Continuing our engagement in advancing the circular economy agenda of our partners, our focus remains on making contributions also to the social aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals, like quality education, gender equality and decent work. The upcoming ILBI presents a great opportunity to become a global framework for a Just Transition towards a circular economy that is not only environmentally sustainable but also socially equitable, provided it is aligned with the key social dimensions of the Agenda 2030. - Mr. Phong Giang, GIZ Advisor, 3RproMar​

The incorporation of a dedicated article on just transition and social inclusion, one that reflects existing examples of law on these topics, into the future Global Plastics Treaty is critical to ensuring that countries adopt supportive regulatory practices and that Treaty-related financing can be made available to advance these practices. - Dr Alexandra Harrington, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ World Commission on Environmental Law, Task Force Chair, Plastics Pollution

Call to action

We must ensure the shift to a sustainable plastics future is carried out in a way that protects vulnerable populations and leaves no one behind. A healthy, plastic pollution-free environment is not only the basis of humanity’s means of support, welfare and economies, but it is also a human right. To address plastic pollution across its lifecycle, reach the sustainable development goals, and the commitments of many MEAs, a just and inclusive approach is needed for all. - Dr Karine Siegwart, Senior Policy Advisor, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ Centre for Policy and Law

Yunus Environment Hub and Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ are actively seeking opportunities to implement small scale pilot projects to demonstrate the practical application of just transition principles. Pilots can identify barriers, opportunities, and gather data in a cost-effective manner, and provide a foundation for best practice sharing. By using the roadmap and recommendations, including social indicators, implementing partners can develop and adopt just transition standards and KPIs to evaluate and measure aspects of success to determine social, environmental and economic impact.

Please read the 2-page brief here.

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