UN - Launch of the Group of Friends to Combat Marine Plastic Pollution

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On 8 June 2020, on the occasion of the celebration of World Oceans Day, a new Group of Friends was established at the UN to combat marine plastic pollution.

Monaco joined this Group as a founding member.  The Group was initiated by Antigua and Barbuda, the Maldives and Norway with the aim, in particular, of strengthening political cooperation and supporting the work of UNEP.

Although States have made progress in banning single-use plastics, this Group aims to support systemic initiatives to put an end to plastic and microplastic pollution;  otherwise, by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans.

Like the 37 speakers, H.E. Isabelle Picco, Permanent Representative of Monaco to the UN, spoke in favour of awareness-raising, recycling, the circular economy and a radical change in the way in which plastics are produced and used.  The Ambassador also stressed the urgent need to combat this pollution and its link with climate change.