The Global Waste-to-Energy Research and Technology Council (WtERT) is proud to announce that Prof. Alex Godoy-Faúndez, Chair of WtERT Chile hosted at Universidad del Desarrollo, has been appointed Scientific Advisor to the Chair’s team of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution.

Convened by the United Nations Environment Programme, the INC is leading the development of a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution, including impacts on the marine environment. This process represents one of the most significant ongoing environmental negotiations, with implications for global material systems, circular economy transitions, and sustainable development.

Prof. Godoy’s appointment reflects his long-standing contributions to Waste-to-Value approaches, with a particular focus on circular economy models for bio-resources and electronic waste. His work, developed in close collaboration with recyclers and industry stakeholders, has advanced practical solutions for improving resource efficiency and strengthening material recovery systems.

Through his engagement at the science–policy interface, Prof. Godoy has contributed to international initiatives including the International Science Council and the International Organization for Standardization, particularly in the development of circular economy standards. He has also been involved in major global assessments such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, and the UNESCO Science Report.

In his new role, he will contribute scientific and technical expertise to support evidence-based negotiations, helping to identify knowledge gaps, clarify key definitions, and foster alignment among countries, industries, and scientific communities.

This appointment highlights the growing importance of science-based circular economy solutions in addressing plastic pollution and reinforces the role of WtERT’s global network in contributing to international environmental governance.

WtERT warmly congratulates Prof. Godoy on this prestigious appointment and looks forward to his continued contributions at the global level.