The Philippines has joined 94 other countries in signing the Nice Call for an Ambitious Plastics Treaty, a bold global push to end the devastating scourge of plastic pollution ahead of the next round of treaty negotiations in Geneva this August.
The announcement was made during the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) hosted by France and Costa Rica from June 9 to 13 in Nice, a key milestone in the drive to craft a binding global agreement that tackles the full life cycle of plastic, from production to disposal.
Plastic pollution has reached catastrophic levels. Every year, the world churns out about 460 million tons of plastic—roughly the weight of 3 million adult African elephants, or 1.5 million Boeing 747 jumbo jets. If unchecked, this figure is expected to triple by 2060, worsening climate change, biodiversity loss, and risks to human health.
The Philippines, which produces approximately 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually, is among the top contributors to ocean plastic pollution. A significant portion of this waste ends up in rivers and coastal areas, threatening marine ecosystems and communities reliant on fishing and clean water.
The “Nice Call” joint declaration outlines five key commitments:
- Reduce production and consumption of primary plastic polymers;
- Legally phase out problematic plastic products and toxic chemicals;
- Mandate sustainable design of plastic products to minimize environmental and health harm;
- Establish a financial mechanism to ensure effective implementation;
- Develop a flexible, science-driven treaty that evolves over time.
French Minister for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forestry, Sea and Fisheries Agnès Pannier-Runacher said, “I am delighted to see so many countries reaffirming the need for an ambitious treaty to put an end to plastic pollution. We reiterate the urgent need to act, by acting at the source of the problem.”
Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, underscored the urgency: “Plastic pollution is a scourge, and the ocean is its first victim. Science is alerting us to its impact on climate, biodiversity and human health, and urging us to act.”
Barbara Pompili, French Ambassador for the Environment, called the united front of nearly 100 nations “a powerful signal of hope,” especially with the crucial negotiations resuming soon.
The Nice Call builds on the momentum of a landmark 2022 UN resolution that authorized negotiations for a global plastics treaty. With five rounds of talks already held—in Uruguay, France, Kenya, Canada, and South Korea—the upcoming Geneva session (August 5–14) is viewed as pivotal.
As a country especially vulnerable to the effects of plastic pollution and climate change, the Philippines’ endorsement of the Nice Call strengthens its position as a vocal advocate for bold, systemic solutions that protect both people and the planet.
