Geneva: The World Bank Group (WBG) is actively engaged in supporting the development of an International Legally Binding Instrument (ILBI) on plastic pollution, a resolution adopted at the United Nations Environment Assembly in March 2022. This initiative aims to address plastic pollution through a comprehensive approach covering the entire lifecycle of plastics. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), tasked with formulating the ILBI’s content, has scheduled its fifth session for August 2025 in Geneva.
According to World Bank, the organization is committed to aiding countries in transitioning to circular economies and providing technical and policy advice on plastic pollution prevention. The WBG’s initiatives span over 60 countries, focusing on various sectors including tourism, clean energy, agriculture, and transportation. By investing in data collection and analysis, the WBG aids in tracking plastic pollution pathways and identifying hotspots, contributing valuable insights to the INC discussions.
The WBG has developed analytical tools to assist policymakers in evaluating the impacts of different policy instruments and identifying priority investment opportunities for advancing plastic circularity. These tools, such as the Plastic Policy Simulator and the Plastic Substitution Tradeoff Estimator, are designed to enhance decision-making processes in countries tackling plastic pollution.
In addition, the WBG is involved in supporting national plastics action plans and roadmaps to phase out single-use plastics across various countries. This includes facilitating fiscal and regulatory reforms to improve waste management and expedite the transition to circular economies. The organization is also mobilizing finance for both public and private sector projects, leveraging its extensive experience in pollution and solid waste management to inform investments.
The WBG’s efforts are further bolstered by its partnerships with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and other stakeholders. The IFC is expanding its investments in the recycling industry and supporting the creation of markets for plastic alternatives. Through collaborations, the WBG aims to unlock new opportunities and align with the pace set by Member States to deliver impactful outcomes.
As the ILBI implementation progresses, the WBG will continue to support countries in building evidence bases, prioritizing policy and investment decisions, and facilitating compliance with international obligations. The organization plans to assist countries in establishing baselines and monitoring systems, while also exploring regional solutions to address the transboundary nature of plastic pollution.