Opening Statement on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) at the First Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment

This document presents an opening statement by the Alliance of Small Island States to the first session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee developing a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. It explains that growth in production and unsustainable use are driving escalating environmental and social impacts, with small island developing States disproportionately affected by pollution transported by currents. It cites harm to marine food chains, biodiversity, and human health, and connects plastics to climate change through reduced ocean carbon uptake and emissions across the plastics lifecycle. It calls for full life-cycle measures, urgent action on existing pollution and single-use plastics, clear terms and a work roadmap, and predictable finance, capacity building, technology support, and implementation flexibilities for SIDS and LDCs.