The Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) is a collaborative platform dedicated to addressing the global plastic pollution crisis through inclusive, community-based solutions. Operating under the World Economic Forum, GPAP engages governments, businesses, and civil society to build circular economies for plastics. By fostering partnerships and scaling innovative solutions, GPAP aims to reduce plastic leakage into the environment while promoting sustainable livelihoods. The organisation works closely with stakeholders in both emerging and established economies to drive evidence-based and locally adapted approaches. A core focus of GPAP’s work is the inclusion of informal waste workers—often overlooked yet critical players in waste management systems. These individuals, who collect more than 60% of global plastic waste, represent a powerful force for positive change. Through partnerships, technical support, and knowledge sharing, GPAP empowers community-driven initiatives that align environmental objectives with social equity. The Inclusive Plastic Action Programme, one of its flagship initiatives, reflects GPAP’s commitment to creating lasting impact by strengthening local capacities and uplifting marginalized voices. By targeting areas such as skills development, governance, environmental literacy, and advocacy, GPAP fosters inclusive change to accelerate progress toward a cleaner, healthier planet.

The Inclusive Plastic Action Programme 2025, launched by the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), provides financial and technical support to local champions combating plastic pollution in their communities. The grant targets initiatives that directly engage the informal waste sector—particularly those led by marginalized groups such as women, youth, indigenous people, and other minority communities. This programme acknowledges the vital role informal waste workers play in managing plastic waste, especially in regions with developing waste management infrastructure. By strengthening the capabilities of local non-profits and social enterprises, the grant aims to build inclusive and sustainable systems for plastic recovery and recycling.
Grants under this programme will support a variety of focus areas, including training individuals in essential skills such as business planning, project management, hygiene, and waste management. It will also enhance organizational capacities in governance and partnerships, fund community engagement efforts, promote environmental awareness, and back research and advocacy activities. GPAP’s goal is to drive systemic change through community empowerment and strategic capacity-building. With a geographic focus spanning across select countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, this initiative is designed to uplift grassroots solutions that are context-sensitive and aligned with global environmental goals.