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Multi-Stakeholder Dialogues as part of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on plastic waste pollution

Multi-stakeholder dialogues are part of the programme of the open-ended working group (OEWG). They are intended to engage and hear the voices of stakeholders that will be impacted by the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, but who normally do not participate directly in the negotiations. The outcomes will be reflected in the OEWG report, which will be submitted to the INC-1.

Governments and sub-national actors (such as cities, regions, informal and cooperative workers, indigenous people and local communities), civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), research institutions and private sector stakeholders are invited to join the dialogue sessions. Multi-Stakeholder Dialogues as part of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) (unep.org)

Our country representative Assana Alio, moderated the high level opening sessions with the presence of the minister of environment and sustainable development, Inger Andersen UN under- secretary general and executive Director of UNEP and members presidium from universities of Poursmouth and local associations bodies operating in a Mbeubess landfill.

Senegal produce nearly more than 200 00 tons of plastic waste and  only 10% of deposit are valorized.  With this in mind, the Senegalese government has put in place a series of measures to reduce the impact of plastic on the environment sais the minister on belahf of the state of Senegal during his opening speech. Preceded by Inger Nadersen who let it be known that ” Plastix polution comes at a critical time to inform global discussions and help decisions maelrs evaluate options that will eliminate the long term flow of plastic and micro plastics into the ocean… The next two years will be critical in getting the world on a zero plastic pollution path. We need to catalyse rapid transition, we need to act now.

In term of actions participants received testimonials from actors operating in a landfill called Mbebeuss in Dakar that have in experience  in waste recovery since 1999. This activity allows them to feed their families. There is therefore an interesting market in the sector, but there is also a high risk, particularly due to the unhygienic practices that expose them to the risk of contamination and hazards.

They are delighted with this forum, which will give them the opportunity to intensify their advocacy with decision-makers in order to improve the reclaimer profession in the light of what the Senegalese state has undertaken in terms of structuring the sector. The job of recovering plastic waste in bottles brings in 50 CFA francs per kilo, while bags bring in 75 CFA francs, so there is food for thought on a circular economy that promotes the informal sector and will increase green jobs.

Brief testimonials by some of the stakeholders impacted by plastic pollution, followed by a discussion on the environmental, social, and economic impacts of different solutions to end plastic pollution. Each of the following panels below will include brief remarks from 4 speakers, followed by a moderated discussion with the audience and conclusions by the moderator