GIZ co-hosts ‘See, Solutions!’ to strengthen partnerships in combating plastic pollution at ‘SEA of Solutions 2024’

See, Solutions! Leveraging Partnerships and Resources at Conference Room 3, United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
On behalf of GIZ, various marine litter-related projects joined the ‘SEA of Solutions 2024’ (SoS 2024) event and co-organised Plenary Session 6: See, Solutions! on the topic of Leveraging Partnerships and Resources, on 19 September 2024. This session was aimed at exchanging ideas on how partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaboration could be key in translating commitments into action and exploring effective approaches in leveraging financial and non-financial resources.
The SoS 2024 event was held from 18-20 September 2024 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, and focused on advancing action against plastic pollution in the Asia Pacific region. Organised by SEA Circular and implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA), with support from the Government of Sweden, the event has been pivotal since 2019 in addressing plastic pollution, facilitating partnerships, and promoting best practices. This year’s theme, “Delivering Actions to End Plastic Pollution”, guided sessions on evidence-based solutions, policy frameworks, financial investments, circularity in the plastics value chain, and community engagement, featuring seven plenary and eight knowledge sessions.

[Left Photo] Interactive Mentimeter session gathering audience insights prior to the panel discussion; [Right Photo] Alvaro Zurita, Project Director at GIZ
Alvaro Zurita, Project Director at GIZ, emphasized GIZ’s strategic use of non-financial resources, particularly policy advisory services, to drive development outcomes. By fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration, GIZ prioritises capacity building, knowledge exchange, and cross-sector partnerships. GIZ empowers stakeholders by providing technical expertise, training, and tools that enhance local capacity, enabling governments to address development challenges without relying solely on financial aid. Furthermore, GIZ plays a pivotal role in supporting policy development and facilitating dialogue between stakeholders, fostering open communication between governments, civil society, and the private sector. This approach helps build consensus and drives coordinated action on critical development issues. Zurita stressed the need to go beyond plastic prevention projects, urging a broader focus along the entire plastics value chain and addressing the issue within the context of the Circular Economy.

[Left Photo] Kate Philp, Environmental Engineer, World Bank; [Right Photo] Reo Kawamura, Director of the Regional Knowledge Centre, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
Kate Philp, Environmental Engineer from the World Bank, noted the institution’s vital contributions to the development and implementation of the ASEAN Regional Action Plan for Combating Marine Debris, which is dedicated to reducing marine litter across ASEAN countries. This strategic plan fosters regional cooperation and establishes a robust framework for member states to collectively address this critical issue.
Reo Kawamura, Director of the Regional Knowledge Centre at the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), added that ERIA, in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat and various partners, has also played an essential role in crafting this action plan. These efforts emphasised promoting national and regional coordination, enhancing waste management systems, and nurturing public-private partnerships. Moreover, Kawamura highlighted ERIA’s collaborations with the private sector in the ASEAN+3 region (excluding Myanmar) to cultivate innovative technologies and initiatives designed to combat marine plastic debris. For instance, the Environment Unit and ERIA have engaged with dynamic start-ups that specialise in advanced recycling technologies, including chemical recycling and upcycling processes.

[Left Photo] Christina Jäger, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Yunus Environmental Hub; [Right Photo] Patinya Silsupadol, Head of Sustainability, Thailand Institute of Packaging and Recycling Management for Sustainable Environment (TIPMSE)
Christina Jäger, Co-Founder and Managing Director of the Yunus Environmental Hub, highlighted the critical role of inclusive partnerships in developing equitable, innovative, and effective solutions to address plastic pollution. By fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, these partnerships can facilitate a just transition that not only tackles urgent environmental challenges but also promotes social and economic equity. She emphasised the importance of openness in developing new tools and formats for collaboration, particularly at the governmental level, encouraging cross-ministerial cooperation to implement strategies that break away from traditional approaches and embrace holistic, integrated solutions.
Patinya Silsupadol, Head of Sustainability at the Thailand Institute of Packaging and Recycling Management for Sustainable Environment (TIPMSE), underscored the significance of the Public-Private Partnership for Sustainable Plastic and Waste Management (PPP Plastics). This initiative aligns with Thailand’s roadmap for plastic waste management and the global shift towards sustainability and environmental protection. With key industry players, government bodies, and NGOs driving its progress, the next step is to drive the Producer Responsibility Organisation Voluntary Effort (PROVE) model, launched this year. This voluntary approach will further promote sustainable packaging management in line with the principles of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

[Left Photo] Moderator and panellists of Plenary Session 6: See, Solutions! Leveraging Partnerships and Resources; [Right Photo] Booth 2: Policy and Regulatory Measures Highlighting Local and Regional Responses
Tackling the plastic crisis demands a comprehensive strategy that brings together diverse stakeholders to address its widespread impact. This year’s event went beyond plenary and knowledge sessions, transforming the exhibition space into a vibrant showcase of ground-breaking initiatives, dynamic partnerships, and innovative knowledge products across five key themes: science-driven solutions, policy and regulatory advancements, sustainable finance, circularity within the plastic value chain, and community-driven behaviour change. Over three action-packed days, more than 70 speakers took the stage, engaging nearly 300 in-person attendees and over 300 virtual participants from over 70 countries. The event sparked valuable collaboration among solution-seekers and providers, laying the groundwork for game-changing innovations.
Links to Currently Active GIZ Marine Litter Projects:
Projects funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV):
- Marine Litter Prevention through Reduction, Sustainable Design, and Recycling of Plastic Packaging (MA-RE-DESIGN): click
- Collaborative Actions for Single-Use Plastic Prevention in Southeast Asia (CAP SEA): click
- Circular Economy Solutions Preventing Marine Litter in Ecosystems (CES): click
- Cities Combatting Plastic entering the Marine Environment (CCP-ME): click
Project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ):
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to Protect the Marine Environment and Coral Reefs (3RproMar): click
Alvaro Zurita
Project Director of MA-RE-DESIGN, CAP SEA, and AMUSE
Email:alvaro.zurita(at)giz.de