Singapore and Pacific Alliance representatives from Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru discussed plastic pollution, circular economy policies, marine conservation and climate cooperation, sharing national initiatives and exploring practical measures to support sustainable development and protect the environment.
Singapore and the Pacific Alliance countries of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru discussed sustainable development, plastic pollution and regional cooperation at the Pacific Alliance-Singapore Seminar on Sustainability on 14 October 2026 at the CDL Sustainability Academy in Singapore. The seminar examined national environmental policies, circular economy initiatives and opportunities to advance climate resilience and marine conservation through international partnerships.
The event featured welcome remarks by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Singapore, H.E. Agustín García-López Loaeza, Ambassador of Mexico to Singapore and Pro Tempore Coordinator of the Pacific Alliance in Singapore, as well as a representative of the CDL Sustainability Gallery, followed by a keynote address by H.E. Dr. Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment. Representatives from Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru presented their countries’ approaches to environmental protection, followed by a question-and-answer session and a presentation on the results of the Pacific Alliance-Singapore Waterway Clean-Up Exercise.
In his remarks, Ambassador García-López Loaeza highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges. Referring to the clean-up exercise held at East Coast Park on 3 October, he said more than 50 volunteers had collected over 51 kilogrammes of waste from the shoreline. He stated, “Sustainability is not merely a policy objective. It is a shared responsibility.”
The Ambassador also highlighted the Pacific Alliance’s Strategic Vision 2030 and its roadmap for the sustainable management of plastics. He noted the value of dialogue between the Pacific Alliance Technical Group on Environment and Green Growth and ASEAN’s Working Group on Coastal and Marine Environment.
H.E. Tamara Villanueva, Ambassador of Chile to Singapore, outlined Chile’s measures to address plastic pollution, including extended producer responsibility legislation, restrictions on plastic shopping bags and single-use plastics, and the Circular Economy Roadmap to 2040. She explained that legislation needed to be supported by effective implementation, enforcement, infrastructure and changes in consumer behaviour. “Our shared challenge is to turn commitment into practical, lasting results,” she said, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and individual action, such as using reusable bags and bottles.
H.E. Margarita Manjarrez, Ambassador of Colombia to Singapore, discussed the country’s efforts in renewable energy, marine conservation and plastic waste reduction. She highlighted Colombia’s single-use plastics law introduced in 2022 and the need to change production and consumption patterns. She said, “We seek to reduce waste generation from the origin point and move towards production models that are more efficient in resource use, in harmony with the principles of circular economy.”
H.E. Fernando Quirós, Ambassador of Peru to Singapore, outlined bilateral cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Peru had eight proposed mitigation projects under evaluation, with a combined potential to reduce emissions by approximately 5.66 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030. He said, “International cooperation is key to tackle environmental problems and deliver tangible benefits for our peoples.”
The seminar highlighted opportunities for Singapore and the Pacific Alliance to exchange environmental expertise and pursue practical measures addressing plastic pollution, climate change and sustainable development.
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporter
