#UNEA6: My Wind-Down Thoughts from the Sessions I Participated in Today

1. The Plenary

Recognizing the interconnected nature of many challenges, we must acknowledge the need for holistic and actionable solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).?

The private sector’s role as a crucial innovation engine, investment mobilizer, and capacity builder cannot be underplayed in addressing these challenges.

Businesses are making significant investments to tackle global challenges, ranging from #SMEs and #youth startups driving local economies to diverse global enterprises.

Yet, for businesses to continue thriving in this endeavor, we require policies based on risk and evidence, their practical implementation, and the effective sharing of best practices in the spirit of cooperation.

2. Intergovernmental Consultations on Nature-Based Solutions (Cc IUCN - Charles KARANGWA, MBA )

Addressing the triple planetary crisis of #ClimateChange, #Nature & #BiodiversityLoss, and #Pollution & #Waste requires investment in #naturebasedsolutions. These solutions are essential tools that offer multiple benefits, allowing them to tackle all three dimensions of the crisis simultaneously and cost-effectively.

3. Side event on the UN Plastics Treaty: Reuse - A Climate and Plastics Solution (CC Karin Boomsma )

One would think that #Reuse is obvious in a #circulareconomy for plastics. But, apparently, it's not so common that an entire session focused on championing the adoption of the #reusemodel.?

The Kenya Plastics Pact , in its 2nd target, aims to ensure that 100% of all plastic packaging is #REUSABLE and #RECYCLABLE. Note that the recycling comes after the reuse, and ideally, multiple reuses.

Therefore, this side event stood out for me as it also highlighted the significance of design and performance standards within the ongoing negotiations for a legally binding instrument following UNEA5's resolution. Again, as a significant focus area under #KPP, we can only increase reusability and recyclability if we design plastic products with these functionalities in mind.

Not long ago, plastic reuse was a common practice in our society. As a young girl, I’d repeatedly fetch fresh milk from our neighbor and take the same bottle. Of course, our household would be responsible for the reusable container's hygiene, as with every other household.?

Yet, the culture has since dwindled. It's time to take action: adopting reuse systems can substantially reduce up to 90% in packaging production and up to 80% in related climate emissions compared to single-use alternatives.?

Furthermore, establishing standards is essential to ensure both social and environmental performance and facilitate these systems' global scalability. Additionally, the side event explored potential financial mechanisms, especially by the private sector, and put forth recommendations for consideration by #INC4 and #INC5.

Will these deliberations bear a meaningful impact? I can only hope so as I continue playing my role on the ground, implementing impact-driven initiatives, one project at a time.?