PMUN

BACKGROUND GUIDE – 3
Agenda: Advancing Global Efforts to Reduce Plastic Pollution
UNESCO Committee
Table of Contents
Sr. No Topic Page nos.

A Letter from the Executive Board 1-2

B Background, Current Situation & Challenges 3-5

C Committee UNESCO - United Nations Educational, 6-7

Scientific and Cultural Organization

D Country Positions on Plastic Pollution 8-9

E Possible Solutions to Reduce Plastic Pollution 10-12

F Questions to Consider 13

G Recommended Reading (Reference Links) 13

A. Letter from the Executive Board
Dear Delegates,
Greetings from the Executive Board of UNESCO!

We warmly welcome you to the Podar Model United Nations Conference. This year,
your committee will discuss a very important issue:
“Advancing Global Efforts to Reduce Plastic Pollution.”
Plastic is something we all use every day—in bottles, bags, toys, and packaging. But too
much plastic is now ending up in our rivers, oceans, and even in the food we eat. Tiny
fish, turtles, and birds mistake plastic for food. Many get sick or even die. Scientists
have also found that very small pieces of plastic, called microplastics are entering our
bodies through water and food.
This is a problem that needs teamwork across the world. That’s why we will come
together in this committee to think like global citizens and find ways to reduce plastic
waste and protect our planet.

As delegates, your job is to represent your assigned country and share its views, ideas,
and actions about plastic pollution. Some countries are banning single-use plastic,
others are improving recycling, while some are still struggling with waste management.
Your challenge will be to find common ground, cooperate, and suggest solutions that
are fair and possible.
During the session, we encourage you to:
 Learn about how your country is affected by plastic pollution.
 Think of new and creative ways to reduce the use of plastic.
 Work together with other delegates to build strong, practical solutions.
 Remember that small steps can make a big difference when we all work together.

At Podar MUN, we believe young leaders like you have the power to bring change.
Whether this is your first MUN or you already have experience, your voices, ideas, and
teamwork will help shape the debate and inspire real action for a cleaner, greener
planet. We look forward to listening to your thoughts, your teamwork, and your
commitment to solving one of the biggest challenges of our time.
Warm Regards,
Executive Board – UNESCO
PMUN 2025
What is the Agenda?

The agenda for your committee is: “Advancing Global Efforts to Reduce Plastic
Pollution.”

This means we will talk about how the world can work together to use less plastic and
keep our planet clean.

Why is this important?

 Every year, millions of tons of plastic are thrown away.

 Much of it ends up in rivers and oceans, harming fish, turtles, and birds.
 Plastic breaks into tiny pieces called microplastics that can enter our food and
water.
 If we don’t act now, by 2050 there may be more plastic than fish in the ocean!

The Problem - Plastic pollution is a global problem. It affects every country, big or
small.

How does plastic pollution harm us?

 Oceans and Rivers: Plastic bags and bottles float in the water. Fish, turtles, and
dolphins often eat them by mistake and get sick.
 Animals on Land: Cows, birds, and other animals can also eat plastic waste lying
around.
 People: Very tiny pieces of plastic (microplastics) are now found in our drinking
water, salt, and even the air. These can be harmful to our health.
 Environment: Plastic waste clogs drains, causes floods in cities, and makes our
surroundings dirty.

Countries Affected / Involved

 All countries are affected by plastic pollution, but some more than others.
 Island nations like the Maldives, Fiji, and the Philippines face a big problem
because plastic waste washes up on their beaches.
 Countries with large populations like India, China, and Indonesia create a lot of
plastic waste.
 Developed countries (like the USA and European nations) also produce huge
amounts of plastic, but many send their waste to other countries.
Key Stakeholders & Organizations

 Governments: Make laws to reduce plastic use.

 People: Choose eco-friendly products and reduce plastic in daily life.
 NGOs & Activists: Spread awareness and start clean-up drives.
 International Bodies (like the UN & UNESCO): Help countries work together to
find global solutions.

The Goal

To find fair and smart ways for all countries to:

1. Reduce the use of plastic, especially single-use items like straws, bags, and
bottles.
2. Reuse and recycle plastic better.
3. Protect people, animals, and nature from plastic waste.
4. Work together as one world, because plastic pollution travels across borders.
B. Background, Current Situation & Challenges

Background

Plastic has become one of the most common materials in the world. We use it for
bottles, bags, toys, packaging, straws, and even clothes. Plastic is cheap, light, and
strong. But the problem is—plastic does not disappear. A plastic bag can take more
than 500 years to break down. Instead, it breaks into smaller pieces called microplastics
that harm people, animals, and nature.

Every year, more than 400 million tons of plastic are produced. Out of this, nearly 50%
is single-use plastic—items that are thrown away after one use, like straws or shopping
bags. Sadly, less than 10% of plastic is recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, rivers, and
oceans.

Current Situation

 Oceans Full of Plastic: Scientists say that about 8–10 million tons of plastic go into
the oceans every year. That’s like a garbage truck full of plastic being dumped into
the sea every minute!
 Animals in Danger: More than 700 species of marine animals (like turtles, whales,
and seabirds) have been hurt by plastic pollution.
 Microplastics Everywhere: These tiny pieces of plastic are now found in drinking
water, table salt, and even in the air we breathe. People are eating and drinking
plastic without even knowing it.
 Global Waste Trade: Some rich countries send their plastic waste to poorer
countries. This creates big waste mountains in places that cannot manage it
properly.

Challenges

1. Too Much Plastic Production

Companies keep making new plastic products because plastic is cheap and
profitable. Stopping production is difficult.
2. Single-Use Plastics
Items like plastic bags, bottles, straws, and cutlery are convenient, but they create a
lot of waste.
3. Poor Waste Management
Many countries don’t have proper systems to collect, recycle, or safely dispose of
plastic. Plastic piles up in open spaces and drains.
4. Lack of Global Rules
Some countries have banned single-use plastic, but others still produce and use it
widely. Without common rules, plastic pollution continues to grow.
5. Awareness
Many people don’t know how harmful plastic is, or they don’t have access to eco-
friendly alternatives.
C. Committee – UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization)

Introduction

UNESCO is a part of the United Nations (UN). It was created in 1945, just after World
War II. The idea was to bring peace by helping countries work together in the areas of
education, science, culture, and communication.

UNESCO believes that if people learn more, share knowledge, and respect each other’s
cultures, the world will be a safer and happier place.

Overview and Description

UNESCO has 193 member countries. Its headquarters are in Paris, France.
The organization works to:

 Improve education around the world, so that every child can go to school.
 Protect heritage sites like the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids of Egypt, and the Great
Wall of China.
 Support scientific research and solutions for global problems.
 Promote freedom of speech and information.
 Encourage peace and international cooperation.

Powers and Functions

UNESCO does not make laws, but it can:

1. Guide governments by sharing information, research, and policy advice.

2. Support education programs to spread awareness about global issues like
pollution.
3. Organize world conferences where leaders and experts can work together.
4. Promote cultural exchange to bring people closer.
5. Raise awareness through campaigns and projects.
UNESCO and Plastic Pollution – Past and Present Relevance

UNESCO has been active in fighting plastic pollution, especially in oceans and rivers. It
has:

 Started projects to reduce plastic waste in World Heritage marine sites, such as
the Great Barrier Reef.
 Supported the UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021–2030) to study and protect
the oceans.
 Encouraged schools and youth groups to run awareness campaigns about
reducing single-use plastics.
 Worked with scientists to study how microplastics affect human health and
ecosystems.

Today, UNESCO continues to spread awareness about plastic pollution and brings
countries together to find global solutions. It plays an important role in making sure that
knowledge and education are used to solve this global crisis.
D. Country Positions on Plastic Pollution

Different countries have different ideas and actions about reducing plastic pollution.
Here are some examples:

India: Fighting Plastic Step by Step

 India has banned single-use plastics like straws, bags, and plates.
 Cities across India hold clean-up drives and awareness programs in schools.
 But because India is so large and has so many people, plastic waste is still a big
challenge.

United States of America (USA): Local Actions

 The USA has not banned all single-use plastics at the national level.
 However, many states and cities (like California and New York) have banned
plastic bags.
 The country also invests in new recycling technologies.

European Union (EU): Strict Rules

 The EU has some of the world’s strongest laws against plastic pollution.
 In 2021, it banned many single-use plastics, like cutlery, straws, and cotton buds.
 It is also working on a plan to make companies responsible for collecting and
recycling the plastic they produce.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS): Most Affected

 Islands like the Maldives, Fiji, and Seychelles are surrounded by oceans.
 Plastic waste washes up on their beaches, harming tourism and fishing.
 Many of these countries strongly support a global treaty to stop plastic pollution.

China: Reducing Plastic Use

 China was once the biggest importer of the world’s plastic waste. In 2018, it
stopped taking plastic from other countries.
 China has started banning plastic bags and straws in big cities.
 It is investing in alternatives like biodegradable packaging.
African Nations: Rising Awareness

 Countries like Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania have some of the strictest plastic
bag bans in the world.
 Enforcement is strong—if you bring a plastic bag into Rwanda, it may be
confiscated at the airport.
 Other African nations are slowly following this example.
E. Possible Solutions to Reduce Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is a big global problem, but there are many ways we can work together
to solve it. Here are some possible solutions that countries can discuss in the
committee:

1. Reduce Single-Use Plastics

 Ban or limit items like plastic bags, straws, and bottles.

 Encourage the use of cloth bags, metal straws, and refillable bottles.

2. Improve Recycling Systems

 Build better recycling plants so plastic can be reused instead of thrown away.
 Teach people how to separate their waste at home (plastic, glass, paper, food).

3. Use Alternatives to Plastic

 Promote eco-friendly products made of bamboo, paper, or biodegradable

materials.
 Support companies that invent new packaging without plastic.

4. Educate and Create Awareness

 Start school programs and campaigns to teach children and families about the
dangers of plastic.
 Organize beach clean-ups and river clean-ups with local communities.

5. Global Cooperation

 Create an international treaty where all countries agree to reduce plastic waste
together.
 Share technology and ideas across countries—for example, machines that turn
plastic waste into fuel.

6. Make Companies Responsible

 Ask companies to collect back the plastic they produce (this is called Extended
Producer Responsibility).
 Fine companies that create too much waste and reward those that recycle.
7. Support Poorer Nations

 Richer countries can give funds and technology to developing countries to help
manage waste better.
 Work together so no country becomes a “dumping ground” for plastic waste.

8. Encourage Innovation

 Support young inventors, scientists, and entrepreneurs who create smart

solutions like edible packaging, waste-to-energy systems, or biodegradable
plastics.
F. Questions to Consider

As you prepare for the conference, think about these questions from your country’s
point of view:

1. How is plastic pollution affecting my country (land, rivers, oceans, people, or

animals)?
2. What has my country done so far to fight plastic pollution?
3. What kinds of single-use plastics are most common in my country?
4. How can people in my country use less plastic in their daily lives?
5. Does my country recycle plastic? If not, what can be done to improve it?
6. Should companies in my country be responsible for collecting the plastic they
produce?
7. How can rich and poor countries work together fairly to reduce plastic waste?
8. What role can schools, children, and youth play in reducing plastic pollution?
9. Should there be one global rule/treaty on plastic pollution that every country
must follow?
10. How can my country balance the need for development with the need to protect
the environment from plastic waste?

G. Recommended Reading (Reference Links)

Here are some resources you can explore to learn more about plastic pollution:

1. UNESCO and Plastic Pollution

Search | UNESCO
2. UN Environment Programme – Beat Plastic Pollution
[Link]
3. National Geographic – Plastic Pollution Facts
[Link]
4. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – Plastic and Wildlife
Plastics: Why we must act now | WWF
5. The Ocean Cleanup Project
[Link]