Talks on global plastic pollution treaty end in Geneva without consensus
The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) in Geneva brought together over 2,600 participants, including delegates from 183 countries, nearly 1,000 observers, and 70 ministers and vice ministers.
Talks to create a legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, ended on August 15, 2025, without consensus, with nations agreeing only to resume discussions at a future date.
The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) in Geneva brought together over 2,600 participants, including delegates from 183 countries, nearly 1,000 observers, and 70 ministers and vice ministers, but deep differences between states prevented consensus on the treaty text.
More To Read
- Kenya calls for swift action on global plastic pollution treaty
- Kenyan communities speak out as Verra moves to reform controversial carbon credit system
- Climate projects in South Sudan can turn deadly - how to avoid this
- World Court just ruled countries can be held liable for climate change damage – What does that mean for US?
- Somalia’s climate crisis demands global action, says IOM
- Historic climate change ruling from the International Court of Justice: What it means for Africa
“The meeting adjourned with a clearly expressed desire by Member States to continue the process, recognising the significant difference of views between states,” said UNEP in a statement.
Delegates debated a wide range of issues, including plastic design, chemicals of concern, production limits, finance, and compliance mechanisms. Despite informal roundtables and structured consultations, members were unable to agree on the proposed texts, which included a 'chair’s draft' and 'revised text proposal' based on INC-5.1 in Busan.
“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 want to remain at the table," said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
“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."
INC Chair Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso acknowledged the disappointment but encouraged continued commitment: “Failing to reach the goal we set for ourselves may bring sadness, even frustration. Yet it should not lead to discouragement. It has not happened yet in Geneva, but I do not 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 session built on a 'chair’s text' from INC-5.1 in Busan, with 'draft' and 'revised text proposals' presented, but delegates were unable to agree on the instrument’s text.
The INC process began in March 2022 after a historic UN Environment Assembly resolution and has since included sessions in Punta del Este, Paris, Nairobi, Ottawa, and Busan.
“As this session concludes, we leave with an understanding of the challenges ahead and a renewed and shared commitment to address them,” said Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the INC Secretariat. “Progress must now be our obligation.”
The committee agreed to resume negotiations at a future date to be announced, emphasising that while Geneva ended without agreement, the global push to tackle plastic pollution continues.
Top Stories Today
