UN fails to reach agreement on global plastics treaty

Government representatives from more than 175 countries have not reached an agreement on a legally binding deal to end plastic pollution at the United Nations (UN) in Geneva.

The final round of global negotiations took place from 5-14 August. This session of talks – referred to as INC-5.2, after previous talks in Busan known as INC-5.1 – gathered more than 2600 participants at the UN Palais des Nations. In addition to the approximately 1400 country delegates, there were close to 1000 observers representing at least 400 organisations.

Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said, “This has been a hard-fought 10 days against the backdrop of geopolitical complexities, economic challenges and multilateral strains.

“However, one thing remains clear: despite these complexities, all countries clearly want to remain at the table.”

Andersen emphasised how member states had expressed a clear wish to continue engaging in the process, recognising their significant differences regarding 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,” she said.

Responding to news of the failure to reach agreement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “I deeply regret that, despite earnest efforts, negotiations to reach an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, concluded without achieving a consensus.

“I welcome the determination of member states in continuing to work to beat plastic pollution and keep engaged in the process, united in purpose, to deliver the treaty the world needs to tackle this monumental challenge to people and the environment.”

In a statement released during the negotiations, Murray Watt Federal Environment Minister for Australia said, Australia would play a “strong and constructive role” in negotiations.

“We are determined to push for an effective and meaningful global treaty to achieve our goal of ending plastic pollution by 2040,” Watt said.

“These negotiations are a critical step toward preserving the world’s ocean and environment for future generations, and we strongly believe in global action.”

In addition to meetings together in UN Geneva’s assembly hall, four contact groups were created to tackle key issues including plastic design, chemicals of concern, production caps, finance and compliance instruments.

Despite “intensive engagement”, Members of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee were unable to reach consensus on the proposed texts, UNEP explained.

“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,” said Luis Vayas Valdivieso, Chair, Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC).

“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.”

The INC process began in March 2022 when the UN Environment Assembly passed resolution 5.2 to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.

Erin Simon, Vice President and Head of Plastic Waste and Business for World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said, Iit is deeply disappointing to leave Geneva without meaningful progress once again.”

“This breakdown in negotiations means the plastic crisis will continue unchecked, while the world waits for the urgent action it so desperately needs.

“The path forward is now uncertain. We urge the majority of countries- who mobilised throughout this process to demonstrate their true commitment to ending plastic pollution- to reassert their leadership. In whatever comes next, there must be no more excuses. It’s time to show that protecting people’s lives and the planet is non-negotiable.”

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