UK (Commonwealth Union)_ In preparation for the crucial negotiations on an international legally binding agreement addressing plastic pollution, especially in marine environments, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the UK Government, represented by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, have collaborated to organize a comprehensive training program for Commonwealth government officials. This initiative precedes the third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-3) set to convene in Nairobi in November 2023.
Under the framework of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance, an Action Group spearheaded by the UK and Vanuatu in support of the Commonwealth Blue Charter, the training gathered 55 officials and negotiators from 18 Commonwealth countries. Its primary goal was to equip these officials with the necessary knowledge, experience, and confidence required to effectively contribute to their governments’ roles in the forthcoming negotiations for the international legally binding instrument addressing plastic pollution, particularly in marine settings.
Dr. Nick Hardman-Mountford, Head of Oceans and Natural Resources at the Commonwealth Secretariat, emphasized the significance of arming Commonwealth members with pertinent expertise and capabilities to engage meaningfully amidst the escalating challenges of plastic pollution. He underscored the commitment to inclusive, informed, and influential negotiations that ensure the collective voice of the Commonwealth resonates globally. He said, “As countries seek to address the escalating challenges of plastic pollution, it is critical that our Commonwealth members are equipped with the relevant knowledge and skills to meaningfully participate. This training underscores our dedication to fostering inclusive, informed and impactful negotiations, ensuring that our collective voice resonates in the global arena”.
A spokesperson from the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) reiterated the commitment to robustly addressing plastic pollution through the joint effort of the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance. He highlighted the importance of the training in advancing negotiations toward a new international legally binding instrument to combat plastic pollution effectively. He added, “The UK, as a proud co-Champion of the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance, is dedicated to ensuring that our collective response to plastic pollution is both robust and effective. This training is a crucial step in that direction as negotiations continue to develop a new international legally binding instrument to tackle plastic pollution.”
The training sessions provided a comprehensive understanding of treaties and their negotiation processes, covering their structure, legal implications, and operational aspects. Practical guidance was offered on negotiating in diverse settings, such as plenary sessions, regional groups, contact groups, and bilateral meetings. This training not only enriches government officials’ understanding of treaty negotiation intricacies but also equips them with practical skills to navigate complex diplomatic scenarios. By fostering a collaborative environment, the training reinforces shared learning and fortifies the collective influence of the Commonwealth in global conversations concerning environmental challenges.
The Commonwealth Blue Charter stands as an agreement among all 56 Commonwealth nations to collectively address shared oceanic challenges through country-led Action Groups focused on ten key ocean issues. These issues span marine plastic pollution, coral reef protection, mangrove restoration, climate change, ocean acidification, ocean observation, marine protected areas, sustainable aquaculture, sustainable coastal fisheries, and the sustainable blue economy. In recent years, the Secretariat has significantly intensified efforts to support its members, utilizing virtual platforms for knowledge sharing webinars, dialogues, and training. The Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation supported this particular training, highlighting the ongoing commitment to strengthening cooperation and knowledge sharing among Commonwealth nations.
