The Philippines stood out as a champion, advocating for IP&LC rights in marine and coastal conservation while emphasising the integration of climate and biodiversity goals. Malaysia called for stronger regional collaboration on biodiversity finance, with support from Indonesia.

Despite these efforts, ASEAN’s overall presence in the negotiations has been less prominent compared to other regions, though there remains significant potential for leadership, as demonstrated by the Philippines’ proactive stance.

Right now, the world is focused on another critical multilateral environmental agreement, the Global Plastic Treaty. At the fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC 5) in Busan, South Korea, from Nov. 25 to Dec. 1, ASEAN’s participation will be pivotal.

Will they maintain their proactive momentum from COP16, leveraging the opportunity to lead on public interest and regional welfare, or remain overshadowed on the global stage?

Plastic pollution poses multifaceted threats to human health, the environment and the economy.

From production to disposal, plastic is one of the planet’s most carbon-intensive industries, with its carbon footprint doubling in less than 30 years to account for nearly 5 per cent of total annual greenhouse gas emissions, significantly impacting the Southeast Asia region.

To avoid the severe impacts of plastic pollution on health and the environment, a fundamental shift in how plastics are produced, used and managed is urgently needed. Yet, even as the world grapples with the plastics crisis, production continues to rise.

Meanwhile, the economic impact is substantial, with marine plastic pollution alone causing gross domestic product reductions globally, estimated at up to US$7 billion (RM31 billion) annually.

Such pollution jeopardises the vast economic potential of our oceans, projected to reach a GDP of $3 trillion by 2030, comprising about 5 per cent of the global GDP.

Particularly in the Southeast Asia region, where the blue sector dominates, contributing significantly to aquaculture, fisheries and global trade, the ocean’s economic importance cannot be overstated.

However, the region also faces grave economic losses because of plastic pollution, estimated at $19 billion across 87 coastal countries.

This economic threat undermines the aspirations of initiatives like the ASEAN vision 2045, which seeks innovative green economy, climate action, sustainable urbanisation and nature-based solutions.

Since 2021, ASEAN’s Marine Regional Action Plan has aimed to combat marine debris by phasing out single-use plastics, generating momentum that should now be amplified globally to reduce plastic pollution across the region through the Global Plastic Treaty.

For ASEAN, active participation in the negotiations is vital, not only for the region’s environmental and economic resilience but also for setting a global precedent for decisive action against plastic pollution.

During INC4 in Ottawa, the Philippines emerged as a regional leader, linking plastic pollution to climate impacts. However, consistency in prioritising public interest over industry influence remains crucial.

Similarly, Thailand highlighted the importance of addressing chemicals of concern impacting public health, although stronger commitments are needed.

Notably, no ASEAN country has championed embedding the “polluters pay principle” into financial mechanisms, despite supporting extended producer responsibility (EPR) systems.

While EPR holds producers accountable for waste, it must also drive systemic change, including a shift toward reuse models.

Indonesia, a key player in INC3 discussions on problematic plastics, has become increasingly passive, largely because of industry influence, as evidenced by the presence of petrochemical representatives in its delegation.

ASEAN has a storied track record of strong environmental diplomacy. Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia and Timor-Leste have joined the High Ambition Coalition under the Convention on Biological Diversity, advocating ambitious targets to achieve the 2030 biodiversity goals.

Vietnam has taken bold steps by proposing that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) affirm countries’ obligations to combat climate change, highlighting that nations must prevent harm to the global climate system and cooperate in good faith to address climate challenges.

Similarly, Indonesia has played a significant role in the UNCLOS negotiations, contributing to the protection of the marine environment and pollution prevention, efforts that continue to this day.

These examples demonstrate ASEAN’s potential to influence global frameworks effectively, including the Global Plastic Treaty.

Scientific data and modelling from institutions such as the OECD emphasise the urgent need to eliminate plastic pollution to ensure a liveable planet.

The scientific consensus is clear: aligning the treaty with the 1.5 degrees Celsius target requires not just demand-side measures but also significant restrictions on supply.

This aligns with lessons from COP 16 CBD, where ASEAN countries like the Philippines played pivotal roles, advocating for just finance mechanisms, IP&LC rights and climate-biodiversity alignment programs.

Malaysia and Indonesia also emphasised financial commitments to protect biodiversity, demonstrating the potential for strong regional leadership.

These successes should galvanise ASEAN leaders to prioritise public interest during INC5. The six-day negotiations in Busan present a critical opportunity for ASEAN to rise as a global leader, championing public health and environmental sustainability.

Addressing the plastics crisis requires reducing production, halting biodiversity loss and limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.

Any ASEAN government endorsing a treaty without robust provisions on primary plastic polymers, chemicals of concern and problematic plastics undermines the treaty’s objectives.

To be remembered as trailblazers of sustainable economies, ASEAN leaders must act decisively, prioritising public and environmental health over fossil fuel industry interests.

(Rayhan Dudayev is Senior Regional Campaign Strategist (Legal and Political) of Greenpeace Southeast Asia.)