The Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Vietnam Maritime University, and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies invite you to

International Conference on Marine Plastic Pollution

21 to 23 April Vietnam Maritime University

Hai Phong, Vietnam

Background and Rationale

Marine plastic pollution has emerged as a critical global challenge, affecting the environment and human health. At the regional level, the ASEAN Regional Action Plan for Combating Marine Debris (2021–2025) provides a framework for collective action. ASEAN Member States, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, the Philippines, and Viet Nam, have developed national plastic action plans. Despite this progress, countries vary in capacity and policy readiness. Strengthening policy coherence, advancing circular economy approaches, and promoting behavioural change are essential to reducing plastic leakage to the marine environment and achieving sustainability across the region. Regional cooperation is critical for accelerating action and knowledge exchange.

In support of these regional priorities, Vietnam Maritime University (VMU), the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS), and the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), and, under Phase 2 of the ASEAN–Norwegian Cooperation Project on Regional Capacity Building for Reducing Plastic Pollution (ASEANO2), invite you to the International Conference of Marine Plastic Pollution, to be held from 21 to 23 April 2026 at Vietnam Maritime University in Hai Phong, Viet Nam.

The conference will bring together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and students to share scientific findings, policy experiences, and practical solutions related to marine plastic pollution in the ASEAN region and beyond. The event aims to advance scholarly and policy-relevant dialogue through interdisciplinary exchange and collaborative learning. Paper and poster submissions are highly encouraged (see below).

Programme Overview

The three-day programme will include keynote addresses from government authorities and leading scholars, thematic panel sessions, poster presentations, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities. Please check this website for updated programmes closer to the conference date.

Registration is required, and participation is free. Participants are welcome to attend one, two, or all three days

Day 1, 21 April

High-Level Policy Event

ASEAN Conference

A high-level session highlighting regional and national priorities and perspectives from key stakeholders, including the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Working Group on Coastal and Marine Environment, government agencies, and development partners.

Day 2, 22 April

Academic Forum

(lunch provided)

An open academic forum featuring panel presentations and poster sessions on multidisciplinary themes, including:

New research on plastic pollution in Asia
Insights from the international collaborative project ASEANO2
Designing Extended Producer Responsibility in Viet Nam
Enforcement and compliance mechanisms related to plastic waste management policies
Technological solutions and community initiatives to combat plastic pollution

Day 3. 23 April

Field Visit

(lunch and transportation provided)

A field visit to Cat Ba National Park, including presentations from local authorities on the implementation of national policies addressing plastic pollution.

Who Should Attend

We welcome participation from all stakeholders including government and policy officials, practitioners, NGOs, development partners, and researchers. Diverse academic disciplines are encouraged to attend including pollution monitoring, political science, economics, sociology, ecology and more. We encourage participation from early-career researchers and students through a poster session.

14.01.2026. Manuscript Template - Proceedings.docx

Call for Panel Submissions (Researchers and Practitioners)

We invite panel submissions on the following topics:

New research on plastic pollution in ASEAN and the broader Asian region
Technological solutions and community initiatives
Enforcement and compliance mechanisms related to plastic waste management policies

Submissions on related topics relevant to marine plastic pollution will also be considered.

Submission deadline: 7 April 2026

Submit an abstract of your presentation and a brief biography to: icmpp@vimaru.edu.vn with subject line: “Panel Submission ICMPP”

To support the preparation of the conference proceedings, we are sharing the paper template for authors who wish to submit a manuscript to be included in the conference proceedings. Authors may contribute their work in two formats:

• Oral presentation in the conference sessions, or

• Poster presentation.

All submitted papers will go through the conference review process before being included in the proceedings.

Call for Poster Submissions (Students and Early-Career Professionals)

We invite poster submissions from students and early career professionals who are studying plastic pollution and its solutions. There will be two dedicated poster sessions to show case findings on diverse topics.

Submission deadline: 7 April 2026

Submit an abstract of your presentation and a brief biography to: icmpp@vimaru.edu.vn with subject line: “Poster Submission ICMPP”

Practical Information

Location: Vietnam Maritime University (VMU), Hai Phong, Viet Nam
Dates: 21–23 April 2026 (attendance for all three days is not required)

Conference language: English

Registration is required for all participants. Participation is free of charge. Participation will be limited to 100 registrants. Deadline to register is April 14, 2026

Participants requiring a visa to enter Viet Nam may request an official invitation letter upon registration.

For those flying in from Hanoi, additional information on transportation from Hanoi to Hai Phong, accommodation options, and recommendations for local visits will be sent to registered participants.

Featured Speakers

We will update the speakers and agenda regularly. Please check this website for regular updates.

Accessibility & Code of Conduct

We are committed to providing a respectful, inclusive, and accessible conference environment.

Please contact us if you require accommodations: icmpp@vimaru.edu.vn

Let us know if you'll be attending!

Norwegian Institute for Water Research

Vietnam Maritime University

Center for Southeast Asian Studies

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