PHA Network Hosts First Official Meeting to Unite Stakeholders on Plastics and Health

With the goal of fostering collaboration and spreading awareness among stakeholders working on issues related to plastics and health, the first official meeting of the Plastics & Health Action Network (PHA Network) was held online on August 13, gathering representatives from government agencies, NGOs, and businesses involved in the field.

The meeting officially confirmed the number of network members, established the operational mechanism, and explored potential collaborative actions to amplify the network’s reach and impact. Participants also proposed initiatives and ideas for future cooperation to reduce plastic waste and improve public health.

The meeting covered two main topics:

1. Network Operating Regulations

2. Partner Presentations & Discussions
   – Each party presented their implementation plans and discussed possible areas for collaboration.

Participants contributed a wide range of perspectives aimed at strengthening the network's structure and effectiveness.

One key suggestion was raised by Ms. Kim Thúy Ngọc (ISPONRE), who proposed the idea of appointing Founding Members. As the network is still in its early stages, founding members would play a critical role in mobilizing others and contributing resources and effort to ensure proper operation. However, specific criteria for this role have yet to be defined.

Mr. Nguyễn Đức Vinh (STG) supported the idea and suggested that “co-designing activities” should be one of the main criteria for Founding Members, alongside other core principles. He also emphasized the importance of human resource contributions and innovative ideas, as the network is open and expected to grow.

Mr. Thắng proposed the establishment of five specialized working groups within the network, covering key areas: Policy Advocacy, Health Impacts of Plastics, Data Systems, Technical Expertise, and Local Initiatives. Supporting this idea, Ms. Trần Hồng Điệp (VSF) proposed that in its first year, the network should jointly develop a shared project and raise funds for communication efforts and data infrastructure. The goal is to maintain active, functioning groups and avoid the formation of inactive or nominal subgroups.

Agreeing with Ms. Điệp, Ms. Đoàn Thu Trang (SHI 360) emphasized the importance of government involvement in ensuring the network’s long-term sustainability—particularly the role of the Ministry of Health and relevant state management bodies.

On the role of government, especially the Ministry of Health, Mr. Phạm Đức Phúc also noted the lack of clarity regarding the Ministry’s involvement. He pointed out that the relevant department within the Ministry does not view this as its domain and thus lacks a clear path for participation. He suggested that higher-level coordination, such as from the National Assembly, may be needed to drive engagement. However, he also recognized the Ministry’s strength in communications, with its centralized-to-local system, and emphasized the need for improved collaboration and information sharing within this structure