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The 2024 Rapa Nui Pacific Leaders Summit, held from April 2nd to 6th, brought together key figures and experts to address one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: plastic pollution in the Pacific Ocean. Hosted by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the event featured several distinguished leaders including AUWCL Professor and Dean Emeritus Claudio Grossman who is a member of the United Nations International Law Commission.

The Pacific Ocean, a lifeline for millions around the globe, is facing an unprecedented threat from plastic and micro-plastic pollution. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, leaders from various sectors convened to explore innovative solutions and advocate for concrete actions to mitigate this crisis.

Professor Grossman provided valuable insights during the fifth panel of the event, where he delved into legal strategies for addressing the regulatory gaps surrounding plastic pollution.

"This summit served as a platform to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and human health," Grossman explained. "Delegates emphasized the need for collective action, urging governments and stakeholders to prioritize the adoption of an international treaty on plastics. We believe such a treaty would establish much-needed regulations to curtail the proliferation of plastic waste and mitigate its adverse impacts."

A pivotal moment of the summit was the panel discussion on the "Global Context of Negotiations and Environmental Agenda," where Grossman joined other speakers in analyzing the progress made in international negotiations on plastic pollution. The panel reaffirmed the Pacific region's commitment to advocating for a comprehensive treaty that addresses the full lifecycle of plastic pollution, with a particular focus on the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Grossman echoed the sentiment shared by many at the summit, highlighting the extreme threat that plastic pollution poses to Pacific communities. He emphasized the importance of robust legal frameworks and coordinated efforts to combat this crisis effectively.

"In confronting the escalating crisis of plastic pollution in our oceans, we stand at a pivotal juncture where urgent action is not just desirable but imperative," he said. "Our Pacific communities face an existential threat, and it is incumbent upon us to forge resilient legal frameworks and mobilize concerted efforts to safeguard our shared environment for generations to come."

culminated in the adoption of the Rapa Nui Summit Declaration, reaffirming the delegates' shared commitment to combatting plastic and microplastic pollution and enhancing ocean protection efforts. Grossman's active involvement in shaping the discussions and advancing actionable solutions exemplifies his dedication to environmental stewardship and his enduring legacy as a champion of sustainability.

"As the world grapples with the far-reaching consequences of plastic pollution, the insights gleaned from gatherings like this summit serve as a beacon of hope," said Grossman. "These conversations and subsequent actions will guide us toward a more sustainable future for our planet."

~ Story by Keith Pierce.Ìý