QC mayor represents global city leaders at UN event 

Paris, France - Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte served as a representative of mayors and city leaders from around the world at the high-level event of the UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution (Plastic Treaty) organized by the French Government and the United Nations Environment Programme.

During the event, Mayor Belmonte emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of cities and communities to improve the Plastic Treaty, which aims to address the global issue of plastic pollution. As cities are directly impacted by the plastic waste crisis, the mayor highlighted the need for support from national leaders in combating this pressing problem.

Mayor Joy also discussed the city's programs on plastic waste reduction, such as the ban on plastic bags and single-use plastics in markets across Quezon City, the prohibition of single-use containers and sachets in hotels, and the Trash to Cashback program that incentivizes residents to save and bring recyclable plastics to designated areas.

Joining Mayor Joy on the panel were French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna, French Minister for Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion of France Christophe Béchu, United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director Inger Andersen, Marine Biology Professor of the University of Plymouth Prof. Richard Thompson, Ellen MacArthur Foundation Executive Head for Plastics and Finance program Rob Opsomer, World Wide Fund for Nature International Correspondent Marco Lambertini, and youth representative Zuhair Ahmed Kowshik.

The gathering was attended by leaders from various countries and representatives of international organizations, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, WWF, World Economic Forum (WEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and UN Habitat.

Mayor Joy Belmonte's participation in this important event showcases Quezon City's commitment to addressing plastic pollution and advocating for sustainable solutions.

By collaborating with global leaders and sharing successful initiatives, the city continues to be at the forefront of the fight against plastic waste, aiming to create a cleaner and more environmentally friendly future for its residents and beyond.