🌍 The Arab Youth Network for Sustainable Development Hosts a Webinar: “The Planet vs. Plastic”
In line with this year’s World Environment Day theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution”, and as part of an urgent call to protect our planet and secure a greener, more sustainable future, the Arab Youth Network for Sustainable Development (AYSDN) held an environmental webinar today, Thursday, June 19, 2025, entitled “The Planet vs. Plastic”.
The virtual session brought together a distinguished group of experts and environmental advocates from across the Arab world.
The webinar explored the growing threat of plastic pollution — a silent crisis comparable to climate change and biodiversity loss.
🔹 Opening Remarks & Youth-Led Solutions
The session opened with welcoming remarks from Ms. Yusra Alyan, who emphasized that this virtual event is part of AYSDN’s broader efforts to promote environmental awareness and empower youth in addressing ecological challenges.
Eng. Khaled Qarmoush, Executive Director of SahSah platform, discussed the network’s contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and environmental protection. He pointed out that plastic pollution remains a long-standing issue with limited solutions, especially regarding its long-term impact on younger generations.
He added that today’s youth are among the most conscious and innovative generations when it comes to finding solutions. According to UN data, 70% of youth are actively working toward sustainable climate solutions, and nearly 75% of green innovations are youth-led.
He concluded by stating:
“Investing in youth is the greatest investment in the world.”
🔹 Corporate Responsibility & Plastic Waste
Eng. Saba Baouzeer highlighted the critical role of corporations in tackling plastic pollution, noting that just 20 companies are responsible for more than 55% of single-use plastic production, which poses major environmental risks.
She also noted that international stakeholders are currently negotiating a global treaty to combat plastic pollution, with an agreement expected by August 2025.
Eng. Aseel Abu Talib expanded on the harmful effects of plastic on oceans, marine life, and soil, reiterating the need for corporations to adopt environmentally responsible practices.
🔹 Community-Based Solutions to a Global Crisis
Eng. Abdulsalam Al-Jabr presented key figures from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), revealing that the world generates over 430 million tons of plastic each year, with more than two-thirds used only once.
An estimated 11 million tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, endangering marine biodiversity, coastal ecosystems, and even human health.
The webinar also spotlighted creative, community-based solutions to reduce plastic dependency, emphasizing the power of awareness, policy change, and youth engagement in driving sustainable transformation.
📢 Active Participation from Across the Region
The webinar welcomed 53 participants from various Arab countries, who expressed their appreciation for the informative and interactive session, praising the insights shared by the speakers and panelists.