The AKO Foundation is advocating for a robust treaty aimed at eradicating plastic pollution, on the occasion of Earth Day

As the world commemorates this day, the AKO Foundation urges negotiators to prioritize human rights, human health, the environment and climate in the ongoing treaty talks in Ottawa. The treaty aims to establish a legally binding instrument to eliminate plastic pollution.

The theme of this year’s Earth Day is ‘Planet vs. Plastics,” which underscores the foundation’s steadfast commitment to protecting the environment, promoting sustainability and creating a healthier and more resilient future for all life on Earth.

The AKO Foundation argues that communities cannot remain indifferent as petrochemical companies and fossil fuel producing countries label them as ‘sacrifice zones’. The entire life cycle of plastics poses a substantial threat to public health and human rights, with plastics production playing a major role in exacerbating the climate crisis.

The mandate to negotiate the Convention, adopted at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) in March 2022, marks a historic milestone. Now governments must determine what impact these negotiations will have on our collective future.

“We urge delegates to negotiate a treaty that delivers on the promise of UNEA Resolution 5/14 – this includes implementing measures that address the entire life cycle of plastics, starting with the production of polymers . Delegates must approach this task with the urgency it deserves, and recognize that our lives depend on it,” said a spokesperson for the AKO Foundation.

AKO Foundation emphasizes the need to address the entire life cycle of plastics comprehensively, from production to disposal, with a primary focus on human rights, human health and environmental conservation. The foundation urges negotiators to act with enthusiasm and prioritize the long-term sustainability of our planet.

On this Earth Day, let us all embrace our shared responsibility to protect our planet and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Kwame Ofori

Executive Director

AKO Foundation