Youth Plastic Action Network
NEWS AND EVENTS
Stay updated with the latest news, insights, and opportunities from our network. From high-level policy negotiations to stakeholder initiatives, we cover key developments, upcoming events, and youth-led actions shaping global plastic governance. Explore our latest updates!
Upcoming Events
Youth Event @ INC-5.2
Youth for a Plastic-Free Future: Local Action, Global Impact
12 Aug 2025 | 13-15 CEST | H-207-208-209, Palais des Nations, Geneva
.png)
On the occasion of International Youth Day 2025, and in the margins of the ongoing negotiations for a global plastic treaty, this event will spotlight the pivotal role of youth in multilateral environmental action from local advocacy to global policymaking.
Aligning with this year’s theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” the event will showcase how young people are driving transformative change from the grassroots to the global stage. Through youth-led initiatives, community organizing, and policy engagement, young leaders are shaping a bold vision for a just and plastic-free future.
Previous Events
Youth Event @ INC-5.2
Making Waves on Plastic Pollution: Launch of the Youth Plastic Action Network
7 Aug 2025 | 14-15 CEST | H-207-208-209, Palais des Nations, Geneva
Young people have been actively engaged in every session of the plastics treaty negotiations, building momentum with each round. This event marks the official launch of the Youth Plastic Action Network (YPAN), a dedicated platform for youth engagement at global, regional, and national processes addressing plastic pollution. Serving also as a press conference, it offers an opportunity for the stakeholders to hear directly from youth on their expectations for INC-5.2 and the way forward.
All delegates, observers, representatives are warmly invited to attend.
Youth Preparatory Meeting
4 August 2025 | 12:00 – 14:00 CEST | Auditorium H-200, Palais des Nations, Geneva
Ahead of the resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) on the Global Plastics Treaty, the Youth Preparatory Meeting, co-organized by the Youth Plastic Action Network (YPAN) and the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP (CYMG), brought together youth delegates to align on key priorities and strategies, providing updates on the state of current negotiations The meeting included introducing the Youth Plastic Action Network (YPAN) and presenting youth priorities, In addition to conducting a foresight workshop to envision a future shaped by an ambitious plastics treaty, highlighting the urgent need for a cultural shift in how we produce and consume plastics.
Youth-led Multistakeholder Event
First Youth and Stakeholder Assembly on Plastic Pollution | Busan, RoK | 24 November 2024
The Youth and Stakeholder Assembly on Plastic Pollution 2024, held ahead of INC-5.1, brought together a diverse range of voices to strengthen advocacy efforts in the final phase of treaty negotiations. Building on past engagement, the Assembly provided a platform for Youth, Women, Indigenous Peoples, Scientists, and other stakeholders to refine their priorities and discuss a unified policy stance. Through high-level plenaries, expert panels, and thematic discussions, participants addressed key issues such as stakeholder engagement, just transition, accountability mechanisms, and science-policy integration, reinforcing the need for an ambitious and enforceable treaty. Find more HERE!
Webinar
Integration of Sustainable Upstream Measures and Binding Rules to Combat Plastic Pollution
This session explored the critical role of upstream measures and legally binding rules in tackling plastic pollution. Experts from various sectors highlighted the need to integrate sustainable production and consumption strategies into the global plastic treaty, ensuring stronger compliance and implementation. The discussion underscored how binding global rules can drive accountability, with insights from negotiators, scientists, and youth advocates shaping advocacy efforts ahead of INC-5.1. As the negotiations progress, stakeholders must push for ambitious, enforceable solutions. Missed the session? Watch the recording
Webinar
Advancing Intergenerational Well-being and Health Against Plastic Pollution
Opportunities & Threats under the Plastics Treaty for Children, Women, & Informal Workers
This webinar, co-convened by the CYMG, IPEN, GGTC and Health Care Without Harm, delved into the critical issue of plastic pollution and its severe impact on the health of vulnerable groups, especially children, women, & informal workers, addressing the full life cycle of plastic. As the world moves towards finalizing the international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution, it is essential to integrate health perspectives into these efforts. Hosted on 22nd July, this session had an insightful discussion on how the Plastics Treaty can be harnessed to protect the right to health and promote well-being across generations.
Supported by
All rights reserved © Youth Plastic Action Network