Global Plastic Pollution Treaty Talks Adjourn Without Consensus
Oru Leonard
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), talks aimed at developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, have adjourned without consensus on a text of the instrument. The negotiations, which took place in Geneva from August 5-15, 2025, saw over 2,600 participants from 183 countries gather at the Palais des Nations.
Despite intensive engagement, members of the Committee were unable to reach consensus on the proposed texts, leading to the adjournment of the talks.
The Committee has agreed to resume negotiations at a future date to be announced, with a clear desire expressed by Member States to continue the process.
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), emphasized the organization’s commitment to continuing work against plastic pollution, highlighting its impact on groundwater, soil, rivers, oceans, and human bodies.
“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”, he said.
The session involved active participation from civil society, including Indigenous Peoples, waste pickers, artists, young people, and scientists, who raised their voices through protests, art installations, and press briefings.
Speaking, INC Chair Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso said, “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.”
The INC process, which began in March 2022, aims to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. The next steps will involve further negotiations and preparatory work ahead of a diplomatic conference.
(UNEP Media)
