Blended Finance Partnership to Combat Ocean Plastic Pollution

USAID and the Private Sector: 

Blended Finance Partnership to Combat Ocean Plastic Pollution (Launch Event)

June 5, 2019, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
6th Floor Flom Auditorium 

The amount of plastic pollution flowing into the ocean is increasing at an alarming rate, creating an urgent challenge for the world’s environment and economy. On our current trajectory, by 2050 — pound for pound — there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Most ocean plastic pollution emanates from developing countries — and, more specifically, from rapidly urbanizing coastal cities in the developing world — where waste management systems are struggling to keep pace with growing populations and increasing amounts of trash. The best way to address the flow of plastic into the ocean is to stop it at its source. 

In this discussion, representatives from the U.S. government, private sector, and NGO community proposed innovative solutions and blended finance to tackle this critical issue.

 
Opening Remarks
Chris Milligan Counselor, U.S. Agency for International Development 
Panelists
Rob Kaplan  Founder and CEO, Circulate Capital 
Haley Lowry Global Sustainability and End Use Marketing Director, DOW 
Steve Sikra Associate  Director, Corporate Research & Development, Global Product Stewardship, Proctor & Gamble
Carrie Thompson Acting Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and Environment, U.S. Agency for International Development 
Emily Woglom Executive Vice President, Ocean Conservancy 
Moderator
Ambassador David Balton  Senior Fellow, Wilson Center; Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Fisheries, U.S. Department of State
Closing Remarks
The Honorable Sheldon Whitehouse U.S. Senator (D-RI) 

This event is supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development, Circulate Capital, and Ocean Conservancy.