The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) hosted a webinar training session on responsible business practices that align with, respect and promote the human right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment. 

The project promotes a human rights-based approach to identify people-centred and equitable solutions that address the needs, rights and interests of all groups in society, including consumers, informal waste workers, children and youth and coastal communities most vulnerable to the impacts of marine litter.

Organized in partnership with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the event is the first in a planned series of targeted in-depth trainings and capacity building activities.

The webinar increased awareness and understanding of responsible business practices and environmental rights related to reducing plastic leakage and pollution, serving to identify needs and interests of businesses for targeted training in 2021. 

Identifying knowledge gaps and capacity building via live surveying and meaningful discussion with businesses, producers, retailers, and associations in the packaging, consumer, tourism and institutional products industry operating in South-East and East Asia, this initial dialogue provided an opportunity to learn, share good practices, and discuss business strategies for a greener and more equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The target group included, in particular, businesses that have participated in the plastic footprint reporting training under SEA circular and/or are developing or implementing plastic (waste) reduction strategies.