The Commonwealth Clean Oceans Forum 2026 : Driving Action Across the Commonwealth to Tackle Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is one of the defining environmental challenges of our time. It affects coastlines, ecosystems and communities across every region, but the burden falls hardest on Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS), nations whose economies and cultures are inseparable from the health of their oceans. Solving it will take more than national effort. It will take international collaboration, evidence-based policy, innovation, and partnerships built to last.

That was the spirit in the room on 25 June, when the Royal Commonwealth Society convened the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Forum 2026 at the Ismaili Centre, South Kensington, as part of London Climate Action Week. Bringing together policymakers, scientists, innovators, environmental leaders and Commonwealth partners, the Forum explored practical solutions to plastic pollution while reaffirming the Commonwealth's unique capacity to drive collective environmental action.

The afternoon opened with a compelling keynote address from Prince Hussain Aga Khan. Drawing on his lifelong commitment to marine conservation, Prince Hussain reflected on both the extraordinary beauty of the world's oceans and the increasing threats they face from plastic pollution. His message was both sobering and optimistic. The science, technology and innovation needed to address this challenge already exist. The task before us is to work together to scale these solutions through shared commitment and international cooperation.

Expertly moderated by Janet Cooper OBE, Chair of the Royal Commonwealth Society, the panel brought together leading voices from science, policy, innovation and ocean governance to examine plastic pollution through a distinctly Commonwealth lens.

Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS, whose pioneering research has helped shape the global understanding of plastic pollution, underscored the importance of independent scientific evidence in informing policy. Reflecting on decades of research, he highlighted that innovation must be accompanied by robust regulation if it is to avoid repeating the unintended consequences of the past. His contribution reinforced that effective environmental action depends upon evidence-based policymaking as much as technological progress.

Offering the perspective of sustainable innovation, Pierre-Yves Paslier, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Notpla, encouraged delegates to rethink the systems surrounding plastics. He highlighted the importance of moving away from unnecessary single-use applications and towards reuse, circular design and sustainable alternatives that reduce waste before it is created.

Professor Cressida Bowyer explored the wider social dimensions of plastic pollution, reminding everyone that an estimated 60 million people worldwide depend on waste picking for their livelihoods. Her contribution highlighted the importance of ensuring that environmental solutions are also socially inclusive, recognising the human dimensions of the transition towards more sustainable systems.

Drawing on her experience as Commonwealth Blue Charter Adviser, 'Ofa Ma'asi-Kaisamy shared examples of leadership emerging across Commonwealth member states and highlighted the value of collaboration between countries facing common environmental challenges. Her reflections reinforced the Commonwealth's unique role in facilitating knowledge exchange and supporting practical cooperation across regions.

Representing the environmental legal community, Adam Weiss, Chief Programmes and Impact Officer at ClientEarth, reflected on the role of legal frameworks and international cooperation in accelerating progress. The discussion highlighted that effective regulation should not be viewed as a barrier to innovation, but as an essential foundation for creating sustainable, scalable and lasting solutions.

For more information about the Panellists, please view our online programme:

Several themes emerged consistently throughout the afternoon. Panellists emphasised the importance of moving beyond downstream waste management and focusing instead on preventing plastic pollution at its source. Discussions explored the need for upstream measures, smarter product design, responsible production, and systems that prioritise reuse and circularity. The conversation also examined the ongoing negotiations towards a global plastics treaty and the important role the Commonwealth can play in advocating for member states, particularly those most vulnerable to marine pollution.

Beyond policy and innovation, the Forum's greatest strength lay in the breadth of voices it brought together, from marine scientists and environmental lawyers to sustainable design innovators, Commonwealth policymakers, young people, educators, sports organisations and civil society. Tackling plastic pollution demands more than new technologies. It demands a collective shift in how materials are produced, consumed and valued, and the Commonwealth's global network offers a rare platform for sharing expertise, strengthening partnerships and scaling practical solutions across regions.

As the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Campaign enters its next phase, one message emerged with clarity. The knowledge, technology and policy tools needed to tackle plastic pollution already exist. The challenge now is to translate them into meaningful action, scaling proven solutions through collaboration across governments, businesses, researchers and communities. The Royal Commonwealth Society is proud to continue supporting this important work by bringing together partners from across the Commonwealth to share knowledge, strengthen cooperation and advance practical action to protect our oceans for future generations. The event was a resounding success and we are already looking forward to our London Climate Action Week event next year.

A full recording of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Forum will be available on our YouTube shortly.

ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN

The Royal Commonwealth Society’s Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign will prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways.

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The campaign will combine education and local action to encourage people to reduce their plastic waste, highlight alternatives, and reduce pollution across the Commonwealth.

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For the action component of the campaign, the Royal Commonwealth Society has partnered with Commonwealth Sport to deliver the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign as a core component of The King’s Baton Relay. This newly envisioned King’s Baton Relay will focus on sustainability and environmentalism and was launched by His Majesty The King at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day 2025, beginning a 500-day journey to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026.

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Journeying through every Commonwealth nation and territory, this partnership will bring together young people, athletes, conservation groups, and the local community for a week of activities, including a plastic clean-up.

SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN

The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.