GAYO Country Manager Calls for Ambitious Global Plastics Treaty

The Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) Uganda has called upon global leaders to stand up and fight against the continued environmental degradation. Speaking during the High Ambition Briefing Event in Paris, Betty Osei Bonsu the GAYO Uganda Country Manager said there is need to have a global plastics treaty aimed at addressing plastic pollution that is youth inclusive if the goal to protect mother nature is be achieved.

“The plastic pollution crisis poses one of the most significant challenges that our generation and those to come will need to tackle, and as such, we demand that it be given top priority. The reason we are calling for this treaty is because it is Legally binding, time-bound, and ambitious to implement and scale up reuse, refill, and alternative product delivery systems -- these are the solutions we want to see, no more techno-fixes and false solutions, such as incineration or the so-called chemical recycling, that only perpetuate our addiction to plastic,” Betty Osei Bonsu said.

She added that more efforts need to be rolled out especially holding companies producing plastics accountable. “A just transition to safer and more sustainable livelihoods for workers and communities across the plastics supply chain, and strong provisions that hold polluting corporations and plastic-producing countries accountable for the profound damage caused by their excessive production of plastic. We need global leaders to stand up for this fight. We need urgent action, dramatic interventions, and systemic transformation to avert the escalating threats to human health and the accelerating breakdown of the planet’s support systems,” she said.

These remarks were some of the key issues raised during Break Free from Plastics convention that run early this year from the 14th - 15th of March 2023. Break Free from Plastics was a gathering of over 300 young individuals from over 80 countries around the world, in partnership with more than 25 organizations such as the Green Africa Youth Organization.

The main objective was to collectively advocate for the adoption of a robust legal treaty aimed at addressing plastic pollution that is youth inclusive. Including measures to effectively stop the polluting cycle of plastics -- from the extraction, production, and disposal where they cause grave and irreversible damage to our ecosystems, wildlife, and to human health.

According to Betty, “A Global youth statement was produced as a result, with young people recognizing that they are the ones who will be most affected by plastic pollution, particularly those residing in the Global South who are already experiencing the adverse effects of climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. The plastic pollution crisis poses one of the most significant challenges that our generation and those to come will need to tackle, and as such, we demand that it be given top priority.”

Who Is Betty Osei Bonsu?

Betty Osei Bonsu is a Ghanaian circular economy enthusiast and climate activist serving as the Uganda Country Manager for the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO). She has over 5 years of experience leading the implementation of sustainable community projects and youth engagements in climate policies.

This is providing green jobs for rural communities, diverting waste from landfills, and amplifying the voices of young people in climate change actions. Betty is currently pursuing her master's with the United Nations University studying Environmental Risk and Human Security.

Following her passion in public speaking and advocacy, she founded the platform B.ISA (B. Inspired with Stories from Africa) where she is bringing stories on community values, passion and environment to life.