After 10 days of talks, the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) paused negotiations on a global treaty to tackle plastic pollution. The committee could not agree on the text and will set a new date to continue discussions.
The meeting in Geneva brought together more than 2,600 participants, including delegates from 183 countries, and nearly 1,000 observers from over 400 organizations. Around 70 ministers and other officials also joined side events and roundtables during the session.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Inger Andersen said the talks were tough, due to global political and economic tensions. But she stressed that all countries still want to find a way forward.
“We didn’t get the treaty text we hoped for, but the fight against plastic pollution continues—it contaminates our water, soil, rivers, oceans, and even our bodies,” she said.
The goal was to agree on a draft treaty and identify outstanding issues for further work before a diplomatic meeting. The session included plenaries, contact groups on topics like plastic design, chemicals, production limits, funding, and enforcement, as well as informal talks.
Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso, INC Chair, acknowledged the disappointment but urged persistence.
“Though we didn’t reach agreement yet, I believe the day will come when the world joins hands to protect our environment and health,” he said.
This treaty process began in March 2022 after the UN Environment Assembly passed a historic resolution to tackle plastic pollution, including in oceans. Throughout the talks, civil society groups, including Indigenous Peoples, waste pickers, artists, young people, and scientists, raised their voices through protests, art, and events.
The Geneva meeting follows previous sessions held since 2022 in various cities, including Busan, Paris, Nairobi, and Ottawa. The next steps will be set once the committee reconvenes.
