STATEMENT BY MR JASON TAN, FIRST SECRETARY (SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT), PERMANENT MISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AT THE COMMEMORATION OF WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2025: “ENDING GLOBAL PLASTIC POLLUTION”

Thank you Chair.

1 At the outset, let me thank the UNEP and the Republic of Korea for hosting today’s celebration of World Environment Day. This year’s theme “ending global plastic pollution” is particularly timely as we move forward from INC-5 in Busan, towards INC-5.2 in Geneva, where urgent action is much needed to beat plastic pollution globally. 

2 Plastic has undoubtedly shaped modern industry and society, and production has exponentially soared over the decades. Yet, there is cost to plastic pollution which we must address, and we are at a pivotal moment to do so. This is why we look forward to engaging constructively and actively with all partners to finalise the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. 

3 But to tackle the complex challenge of plastic pollution, more needs to be done. This is why Singapore is committed to zero waste and circularity. As a small island state, we are acutely aware of the challenges arising from increasing waste. As such, we introduced the Zero Waste Masterplan in 2019, which marked a shift towards a circular economy approach that maximises the value of resources in a closed loop. Under this Masterplan, we have introduced various initiatives to reduce plastic waste and promote more sustainable lifestyles.

4 We have set ambitious targets for recycling and waste reduction, but of course these targets cannot be achieved by policy alone. Singapore is working closely with industry through public-private partnerships to reduce plastic waste, through innovation in the recycling industry and incentivizing green business practices. Meanwhile, we are working closely with civil society and youths, hoping to draw in a new generation of fresh thinkers to expand our capabilities in waste management. 

Mr Chair,

5 Singapore continues to believe in strong global partnerships and multilateral action. As many have noted, no single country can solve the plastics problem alone, and collective action is critical to tackling this global crisis together. Singapore remains committed to collaborating with all our partners to end plastic pollution, to build a more sustainable and resilient future for us all. 

I thank you.

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