Discussions on a global plastic treaty conclude in Geneva without achieving a unified agreement

The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) for an international legally binding treaty on plastic pollution concluded on Friday in Geneva, Switzerland, without reaching a consensus on a final text.

Over 2,600 participants, including 1,400 delegates from 183 countries, attended the session aimed at agreeing on the treaty's text and highlighting unresolved issues requiring further preparatory work ahead of a diplomatic conference.

Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the INC Secretariat, emphasized the need for progress and shared commitment to address the challenges ahead. Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso, the chairperson of the talks, acknowledged the disappointment of not reaching a consensus.

During the negotiations, two new draft proposals were tabled. However, consensus on these drafts was not reached. The draft presented by Valdivieso after ten days of discussions lacked a long-term goal to limit production beyond national and non-binding efforts and was rejected by many ambitious countries.

The global plastics treaty negotiations aim to combat plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The discussions covered topics including plastic design, chemicals of concern, production caps, finance, and compliance. Around 100 ministers, vice ministers, and high-level representatives were involved in the negotiations.

Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), stated that the negotiations would resume later despite the setbacks. She encouraged renewed efforts to protect the environment and safeguard public health.

Negotiations for the global plastics treaty have taken place in Punta del Este, Paris, Nairobi, Ottawa, and Busan. The process to develop a global plastics treaty began in March 2022. Nearly 1,000 observers from more than 400 organizations participated in the talks.

Valdivieso, in his closing remarks, urged all parties to continue their efforts to find a solution that addresses the urgent issue of plastic pollution. He expressed hope that the next session of the negotiations would lead to a successful outcome.

Despite the lack of consensus, member states agreed to resume talks at a date yet to be announced. The negotiations will continue with the shared goal of creating a legally binding treaty to combat plastic pollution and protect our planet.