Negotiations on forging a legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution fell short of consensus on Friday, as weary UN Member States meeting in Geneva agreed to reconvene at a later date to continue discussions.

“This has been a hard-fought 10 days against the backdrop of geopolitical complexities, economic challenges and multilateral strains,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). “However, one thing remains clear: despite these complexities, all countries clearly want to remain at the table.”

Speaking at the close of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) session in Switzerland, Ms. Andersen stressed that Member States had shown a strong desire to keep engaging, even as they acknowledged deep differences over how to tackle plastic pollution.

“While we did not land the treaty text we hoped for, we at UNEP will continue the work against plastic pollution – pollution that is in our groundwater, in our soil, in our rivers, in our oceans, and yes, in our bodies.”
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme

Nations Face Tough Path To Treaty

“People are demanding a treaty,” Ms. Andersen added, noting that momentum must be maintained if a binding international accord is to be reached.

Delegates from 183 countries participated in the talks, with the gathering marked by cultural diversity and fatigue from an intense final all-night negotiating session. Pacific island representatives adorned with vibrant fresh blooms mingled with officials and observers visibly worn down by the marathon discussions.

Known as INC-5.2 — following the earlier INC-5.1 session in Busan — the Geneva talks brought together more than 2,600 participants at the UN Palais des Nations. This included around 1,400 country delegates and close to 1,000 observers from over 400 organizations.

Civil society played a prominent role, with Indigenous Peoples, waste pickers, artists, young activists, and scientists raising their voices through protests, art installations, press briefings, and events in and around the Palais des Nations.

The aim was to produce a draft text for a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution, “and highlight unresolved issues requiring further preparatory work ahead of a diplomatic conference,” according to UNEP.

Four contact groups worked alongside the main assembly to focus on critical topics such as plastic design, chemicals of concern, production limits, financing, and compliance mechanisms.

Despite “intensive engagement”, UNEP said the INC was unable to reach consensus on the proposed texts.

Failure Brings Calls For Renewed Energy

INC Chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso acknowledged the disappointment but urged delegates to channel it into determination.

“Failing to reach the goal we set for ourselves may bring sadness, even frustration. Yet it should not lead to discouragement. On the contrary, it should spur us to regain our energy, renew our commitments, and unite our aspirations.
“It has not happened yet in Geneva, but I have no doubt that the day will come when the international community will unite its will and join hands to protect our environment and safeguard the health of our people.”
Luis Vayas Valdivieso

The INC process began in March 2022 after the UN Environment Assembly adopted resolution 5.2, mandating the development of an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.

As the Geneva talks ended, Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the INC Secretariat, struck an optimistic note. “As this session concludes, we leave with an understanding of the challenges ahead and a renewed and shared commitment to address them,” she said. “Progress must now be our obligation.”

The next round of negotiations is expected to take up unresolved matters and attempt to bridge divides that have so far hindered an agreement. With public pressure mounting and environmental damage escalating, the outcome of these talks could determine how swiftly and effectively the world responds to the plastic crisis.