ASEAN International Conference on Marine Plastic Waste

The ASEAN International Conference on Marine Plastic Pollution took place from April 21-23 in Hai Phong, jointly organized by the Viet Nam Maritime University, the Southeast Asia Research Center, and the Norwegian Water Research Institute.

This is an important academic event held to mark the 70th anniversary of the university, under the theme “Plastic Pollution: From Land-Based Sources to the Ocean - Current Status and Solutions”. The conference helps reaffirm the university’s role and position within Viet Nam’s network of key national universities.

Beyond its commemorative significance, the conference demonstrates the university’s strong commitment to linking research and training activities with sustainable marine economic development and environmental protection goals. In the context of increasingly severe marine plastic pollution globally, particularly in Southeast Asia - the organization of an international academic forum is essential to promote the exchange of knowledge, experience, and solutions among countries.

The event attracted more than 100 delegates, including experts, scientists, and policymakers from various domestic and international organizations. Participants included representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Working Group on Coastal and Marine Environment, the Norway Embassy to ASEAN, as well as leading research institutes and universities. This diverse participation reflects the growing global concern over marine plastic waste and the increasing need for cross-sectoral and cross-border cooperation to address this shared challenge.

The conference featured active and in-depth discussions focusing on assessing the current state of plastic pollution, sharing scientific research results, and proposing technological and policy solutions to reduce marine plastic waste. It also provided an opportunity for scientists, experts, and policymakers to directly exchange ideas, paving the way for future collaborative initiatives.

Of particular note, the conference helped strengthen linkages among research institutions, universities, and international organizations within ASEAN. Building a regional knowledge network not only enhances research capacity but also facilitates the development of joint action programs toward sustainable development and marine ecosystem protection. As ASEAN is one of the regions most heavily affected by plastic pollution, such cooperation initiatives are especially significant.

The International Conference on Marine Plastic Pollution in ASEAN reaffirmed its role not only as an academic forum but also as a practical platform for raising awareness, strengthening cooperation, and advancing solutions to one of today’s most urgent environmental challenges. It also underscores Viet Nam’s proactive role in regional and global efforts to protect the oceans and promote a more sustainable future.