From 1 to 12 May 2023, the 2023 conferences of the parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions were held in Geneva, Switzerland, with about 2,000 representatives of parties and observers from more than 160 countries attending. Relying on this Conference of the Parties, the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific (BCRC China) and the China National Resources Recycling Association (CRRA) co-organized a side event entitled ‘Innovative Practices for Environmentally Sound Management of Plastic Scrap’ on 7 May at the International Conference Centre in Geneva, Switzerland. The side event was attended by more than 100 representatives of Parties and observers. Mr. Zhou Zhiqiang, Head of the Chinese Delegation and First Class Inspector of the Department of Solid Waste and Chemicals of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and Mr. Carlos Martín Novella, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, were invited to deliver speeches at the side event. The side event was chaired by Mr. Craig Bolikovac, Senior Adviser of BCRC China.

In his speech, Mr. Zhou Zhiqiang said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the management of plastic pollution, has participated in and contributed to the strengthening of the control of transboundary movements of plastic waste under the existing mechanism of the Basel Convention, has pushed for the adoption of the amendment to the Basel Convention on Plastic Waste by the Conference of the Parties, has acted as a co-leader in revising the technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of plastic waste, has been active in the development of the construction of ‘Zero-Waste Cities, promoting 113 cities at the prefecture level and above and 8 special regions to carry out the construction of ‘Zero-Waste Cities’ during the period of the 14th Five-Year Plan, initiating the establishment of the ‘Zero-Waste International Cities Network’, sharing the results of China's ‘Zero-Waste Cities’ and promote the development of the International Network of Zero-Waste Cities.

Mr. Carlos Martín Novella, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the three conventions, said in his speech that in the face of the global problem of plastic pollution, the Secretariat appreciated very much China's leading role in the fight against plastic pollution and the control of single-use plastic products, as well as its achievements in the construction of ‘Zero-Waste Cities’. The side event would share China's successful experience in plastic pollution control with all countries and promote the environmentally sound management of plastic waste.

In the presentation session, Mr. Zheng Yang, Head of Hazardous Waste Management Technology Department, Solid Waste and Chemicals Management Technology Centre, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, introduced China's plastic pollution management policy system, implementation process, and the construction of Zero-waste cities and the results achieved. Mr. Zhang Guobin, Shenzhen Institute of Environmental Science, introduced the plastic pollution control measures implemented in Shenzhen since 2020 and the remarkable results achieved. Ms. Yang Xin, Deputy Director of Sanya Ecological Environment Bureau, introduced Sanya's experience and typical cases in source reduction of plastic pollution, strengthening collection and disposal of plastic waste, and management of marine plastic pollution. Ms. Man Juan, Deputy Secretary General of the International Exchange and Foreign Enterprises Committee of the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation, introduced the progress of eco-design of plastic products and typical cases carried out by the association. Mr. Yuan Liu, General Manager of Cainiao Domestic Supply Chain, introduced a number of work achievements including green packaging, recycled boxes and green recycling. Mr. Craig Bolikovac, Senior Advisor of BCRC China, introduced the plastics-related projects of BCRC China and the Zero-Waste Cities International Network.

The side event publicized China's progress and effectiveness in plastic pollution control, environmentally sound management of plastic wastes and the construction of ‘Zero-waste cities’, and increased awareness of the effectiveness of China's work, which was widely praised by the participants.

The Conference of the Parties is the supreme deliberative body of the Convention, which organizes regular meetings to discuss and deal with major issues related to the implementation of the Convention, implement the measures and provisions of the Convention, and make corresponding decisions for the effective implementation of the Convention. It has been the practice of the Conference of the Parties to hold side meetings during its sessions. Side events are organized by participants to publicize and promote their activities, experiences and ideas, and are an important forum for promoting the long-term development of the Convention.