BUSAN, South Korea – A flag with a giant eye made up of thousands of portraits from around the world was unfurled from a 10-story crane as government representatives gathered for the Fifth Negotiating Committee for a Global Plastics Treaty (INC5) meeting. .
Created by artist Dan Acher in collaboration with Greenpeace East Asia Seoul, the flag features the faces of various supporters, including celebrities such as William Shatner, James Cromwell and João Pacífico. These images represent a united call for a treaty to reduce plastic production, eliminate single-use plastics, and send a clear message that the world is watching.
graham Forbes, Head of Greenpeace’s Global Plastics Treaty Negotiation Delegation and Director of Greenpeace USA’s Global Plastics Campaign said:
“As we enter a critical phase of plastics treaty negotiations, governments must choose meaningful action over fossil fuel and petrochemical interests. A weak treaty is a failed treaty. We need an ambitious, legally binding agreement to curb plastic production and end single-use plastics to protect our health, communities, climate and planet.”
Sarah King, Chief Strategist at Greenpeace Canada, said:
“The public support for a strong global plastics treaty to reduce plastic production is undeniable, both in Canada and around the world. Today we send a reminder to world leaders that we are watching to see if they will finally step up to put people and the planet in front of plastic. “As a member of the Host Nation Alliance and the High Ambition Coalition, Canada has a responsibility to demonstrate leadership to help move the talks forward toward a bold, binding agreement that will finally press the pause button on the never-ending plastic manufacturing machine.”
‘We Are Watching’ artist Dan Acher said:
“The We Are Watching flag has become a powerful symbol of global unity in the fight for urgent climate action. From Geneva to Madrid, across the UK and East Asia, this giant flag carries the faces and hopes of thousands of people demanding a sustainable future. World leaders, gathered in Busan to make important decisions on plastic pollution. Citizens of the world are asking you to do the right thing. Get on the right side of history for the future of your children, our children, and our planet. “The world is watching!”
Greenpeace and its allies in the plastic ban movement call for a treaty that:
- End plastic pollution throughout the entire process from production to disposal to protect the environment and human health.
- Set a legally binding target to reduce plastic production by at least 75% by 2040 to stay below the 1.5°C threshold.
- Phase out single-use plastics, starting with the worst-causing items, like plastic bags.
- Supporting a just transition to a low-carbon, zero-waste, reuse-based economy.
- Be firmly rooted in a human rights-based approach that prioritizes human health and justice and reduces inequalities.
Notes to editors:
Photos and videos can be found here. Greenpeace Media Library.
For more information, please contact:
Dina Ni, Communications Campaigner, Greenpeace Canada;
[email protected]+1 416 820 2148
Angelica Carballo Pago, Global Plastics Media Lead, Greenpeace USA;
[email protected]+63 917 112 4492 (also located in Busan, South Korea)
Greenpeace International Press Desk,
[email protected]+31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours a day)
