Philippine Advances Efforts to Combat Global Plastic and e-Waste Trafficking, Vows Protection of Human Health and Environment in UN Conference 

DENR Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna (rightmost) explains PH efforts to address illegal importation of hazardous e-waste and shared best domestic practices in the implementation of Basel Rotterdam Stockholm Conventions by the Philippines during a side event during the Conference of Parties.  

GENEVA 21 May 2025 — In response to growing international calls to end plastic  pollution and address e-wastes, the Philippine delegation led by DENR  Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna along with other representatives from DENR-EMB  and the Philippine Mission in Geneva, actively participated in the 2025 Basel Rotterdam Stockholm Conference of the Parties (BRS COP) held from 30 April to 09  May 2025.

With the theme “Making Visible the Invisible”, COP 2025 highlighted the transboundary movement of hazardous waste and the broader challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Undersecretary Cuna took part in the High-Level Roundtable on Global Collaboration for a Pollution-Free Planet, advocating for strengthened multilateral cooperation and the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) to enhance national policies for sustainable waste management.

Strengthening Bilateral and Multilateral Efforts 

A multilateral roundtable, chaired by Norway, brought together Brazil, Switzerland,  South Africa, France, India, and the Philippines to exchange lessons from INC-5.  Undersecretary Cuna emphasized the need for strong health provisions, national  implementation policies, and financial support for developing nations.

Protecting Vulnerable Communities Through Collaborative Action

In a side event hosted by IPEN, Undersecretary Cuna showcased the PCB-WEEE  project, a collaboration between UNIDO, GEF, and EcoWaste Coalition, aimed at  protecting women and children in marginalized communities from exposure to  persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and other hazardous chemicals. Key  interventions included: 

• Formalizing the WEEE dismantling sector, 
• Designing a Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSD), 
• Developing training modules for dismantlers, 
• Distributing personal protective equipment (PPE), and 
• Creating sustainable business models for affected communities.

Advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Through International  Cooperation

Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Carlos D. Sorreta underscored the importance of sustainable funding mechanisms, technology transfer,  and research investments to empower developing nations in implementing the BRS  Conventions. He urged collective international action to introduce safe alternatives,  enhance institutional capacity, and strengthen underserved communities, particularly  those disproportionately affected by hazardous waste exposure.

Through proactive engagement in policy discussions, strategic partnerships, and  knowledge-sharing, the Philippines continues to champion global efforts for a safer,  pollution-free future. END 

(L-R) PH delegation led by Undersecretary Cuna (4th from left) meet with Minamata on Mercury Convention  Secretary-General Monica Stankewicz (3rd from left) (from L-R) Mr. Richard Gutierrez of Minamata Secretariat, GPM Attaché Via Alexis Perez, GPM Minister Felipe Carino III, Mr. Joel Maleon of EMB-DENR, Undersecretary Cuna, SG Stankiewicz, DENR Assistant Secretary Jackie Caanan, and Mr. Irvin Cadavona of EMB-DENR. 

DENR Director Joel Maleon speaks as panelist in a side event during the Conference of Parties of Basel Rotterdam  Stockholm Conventions where he explained government efforts to effectively address electronic and electric wastes and  the rising incidence of illegal online trade of commercial products with hazardous chemicals, such as mercury in  cosmetics and dental amalgams.  

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