WCC news: Indigenous advocate calls for just transition in Geneva plastics talks

As the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations conclude in Geneva, Switzerland, faith communities have worked to ensure that environmental protection goes hand-in-hand with social justice. Jocabed R. Solano Miselis, a representative of the Gunadule nation from the Gunayala region in Panama and a member of the World Council of Churches Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development's Working Group on Climate Justice, shares her experience advocating for vulnerable populations during these critical discussions. At the Global Plastics Treaty talks in Geneva, Jocabed R. Solano Miselis of the Gunadule nation advocates for solutions linking environmental protection and social justice. Photo: Athena Peralta/WCC 14 August 2025 What are your main priorities as you participate in the plastics treaty negotiations? Miselis: I'm working hard to ensure this treaty isn't just about reducing plastic pollution but also about doing so in a way that is fair and equitable for everyone. That means emphasizing a just transition. What does a just transition look like to me? It means remembering that human rights and Indigenous rights are not abstract concepts—they are vital to my community's survival. I am from the Guna Yala islands, a territory of nearly 400 islands facing an increasing crisis. Plastic pollution fouls our beaches every day, harming not only us but also the animals and food we rely on. And it's not just what we see; the stealthy threat of microplastics is poisoning our bodies from within, affecting our health in ways we're only beginning to understand. Our children's health is at stake. This isn't just an environmental issue; it's a comprehensive threat to our very way of life. As a negotiator, I bring more than data and policies—I bring the soul of my community, the faces of the children I see who hope for a better world where they can be healthy, safe, and proud of their identity. As I fight for them, I pray—pray for God's mercy on us, on our world. Because this goes beyond a policy debate; it is a matter of faith, and our dedication to the Gospel urges us to act in these spaces. What specific changes are you advocating for regarding vulnerable populations? Miselis: I've been pushing hard for a few key things: Stronger language - I was able to contribute with the submission requesting some concrete improvements in the language, so it's not just suggestions but something that ensures a real commitment by the parties involved. We can't just mention vulnerable groups, we need real safeguards and protections, both for people and for the environment, for all creation as we understand as a Christian. Indigenous peoples, people of African descent, and local communities are not explicitly named, despite the unique challenges they face. We have advocated for their inclusion in the list of vulnerable populations to ensure their specific needs are addressed. As an Indigenous person, the struggles of my Indigenous people are always present in my heart, so I advocate with all my strength, which comes from the Creator, to live in a more just world for Indigenous peoples around the world. Panama’s delegates celebrate their participation in the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Geneva, advocating for ambitious action to end plastic pollution. How do you see the faith community's role in supporting these negotiations? Miselis: It's not enough to say we care—we must direct resources where they're needed most, providing direct financial assistance so vulnerable populations can adapt and ensuring management is effective and transparent. But helping them adapt isn't the only goal; even amidst the devastating impacts of the climate crisis, particularly from plastic pollution, these vulnerable groups, such as Indigenous communities, continue to resist and re-emerge, reminding us they also hold solutions. Indigenous peoples teach us that caring for the earth isn't just an environmental issue but a deeply ethical and political one. We're at a critical point, and many countries hesitate to make concessions. Still, we pray with the hope inspired by the Resurrection, that the Spirit will bring reconciliation to all things, awakening decision-makers to choose actions that benefit the entire creation. If you can pray for the negotiations, pray for the negotiators so that we can reach ambitious agreements, and pray for me that God grants me wisdom, boldness, and grace in these negotiations. I would be very grateful! The Global Plastics Treaty negotiations took place during the second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-5.2), held from 5 to 14 August in Geneva. This represented a crucial opportunity to address the global plastic pollution crisis while ensuring that the most vulnerable communities are protected and empowered in the transition to sustainable alternatives. Find more information about the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations here See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland