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Author	Dr LIU Yulu
Organisation/Institution	National University of Singapore, Faculty of Law
Country	SINGAPORE
Panel	International Law
Title	Southeast Asian Countries at the INC on Plastic Pollution: Possible Actions before the Conclusion of the Treaty
Abstract	The United Nations Environment Assembly, through its Resolution 5/14, requested the development of a legally binding instrument addressing plastic pollution, including marine debris. Southeast Asia countries, identified as a global hotspot for plastic pollution, play a critical role in these discussions and actions. They have actively participated in the INC, and their submissions have emphasised critical concerns such as common but differentiated responsibilities, financial and technical assistance, fishing gear, and consideration of national capacities. In parallel to the INC meetings, ASEAN has been targeting marine debris since 2017 through a series of initiatives, reflecting a regional commitment to prevent and reduce plastic pollution. By analysing ASEAN policies and countries’ INC statements, this paper aims to identify opportunities for strengthening regional collaboration and enhancing domestic policies. It also provides recommendations to ensure effective advocacy for regional interests, bridging regional and global efforts to tackle marine plastic pollution.
Biography	LIU Yulu is a legally trained ocean law and policy researcher, specialising in the law of the sea, marine environmental protection, and marine plastic pollution. Yulu completed her PhD at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), University of Wollongong. Her research interests are the law of the sea, ocean governance, and marine environmental protection. She now works as a Research Fellow at the Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore.