An ambitious legally binding plastics pollution treaty is needed more than ever, youth leaders say

4 August 2025 – Geneva: The call for a strong, legally binding treaty to tackle global plastic pollution has never been more urgent, say youth leaders and campaigners.

This week, international negotiations are underway in Geneva to establish a treaty aimed at ending plastic pollution. Among the advocates is Shellan Saling, interim chair of the Youth Plastic Action Network (YPAN), who stresses the critical need for an ambitious agreement.

In an interview with UN News, Saling highlighted the wide-ranging dangers of plastic pollution – from its impact on climate change to serious threats to human health. She pointed out that plastic pollution can lead to visible and invisible disabilities, birth defects in pregnant women, and several other health-related issues.

When asked about the key steps to address plastic pollution, Saling outlined four priorities:

1. Educate and build capacity on alternatives to single-use plastics;
2. Secure financing to drive innovation for plastic replacements;
3. Celebrate the launch of the Youth Plastic Action Network (YPAN); and
4. Advocate for a strong treaty that tackles waste trade and prevents countries from exporting their waste to others

The Youth Plastic Action Network is a coalition of youth constituencies created through the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP, aiming to amplify youth voices in plastic action globally.

For the full interview, please visit UN News.