The Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), spearheaded by the World Economic Forum, has reached a monumental milestone by bringing together 25 countries in the fight against plastic pollution. With over 1.5 billion people impacted globally, this initiative has solidified its position as the largest global program addressing plastic waste.
In January 2025, GPAP welcomed seven new members—Angola, Bangladesh, Gabon, Guatemala, Kenya, Senegal, and Tanzania—into its mission to scale systemic solutions for plastic waste management. By advancing sustainable materials, bolstering recycling systems, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, GPAP is setting a global precedent for combating plastic pollution through a circular economy approach.
Global Plastic Action Partnership: A Collective Strategy to Tackle Plastic Waste
Central to GPAP’s efforts are its National Action Roadmaps, which are country-specific strategies designed to meet local needs while leveraging collective global experience. These roadmaps have already mobilized $3.1 billion in investments, created safer working conditions for informal waste workers, and fostered sustainability practices across diverse regions.
“Reaching this 25-nation milestone is a testament to the growing global determination to tackle one of the world’s most pressing challenges,” said Clemence Schmid, Director of GPAP at the World Economic Forum.
These partnerships reflect more than symbolic unity—they represent actionable steps toward rethinking plastic production, management, and reuse.
The Growing Threat of Plastic Pollution
Plastic waste is an escalating crisis, with 6 million tonnes polluting oceans annually and double that amount affecting land ecosystems. Mismanaged waste disrupts biodiversity, endangers livelihoods, and poses severe health risks to communities worldwide.
The Global Plastic Action Partnership aims to halt this damage by uniting nations under a shared framework. This collaborative effort supports the transition to sustainable materials while protecting ecosystems and fostering resilient communities.
Combatting Climate Change Through Circular Solutions
Plastic pollution significantly contributes to climate change, generating 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Methane emissions from landfills, for instance, are over 80 times more potent than CO₂ in the short term.
GPAP’s circular economy model addresses these challenges by emphasizing waste reduction and recycling systems. By fostering sustainable practices, the initiative not only reduces emissions but also drives economic growth. Circular solutions are projected to create up to 6 million green jobs globally by 2030. The plastics sector is at the forefront of this transformation.
The Road Ahead for Global Plastic Action Partnership
Looking forward, GPAP continues to focus on creating a circular plastics economy. It is transforming waste into valuable resources. GPAP is also fostering sustainable economic growth. The initiative unites governments, businesses, and civil society. It is building a robust framework to combat plastic pollution on a global scale.
Since its launch in 2018, GPAP has secured over $3.1 billion for waste management projects. It has improved the livelihoods of more than 12,000 informal waste workers. It has also achieved measurable progress in advancing sustainability and climate resilience worldwide.
