No Compromise on the Plastics Treaty—Talks Must Keep Pushing for Ambition
Geneva, August 15 – After 2.5 years of negotiations, governments have ended the resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) without reaching an agreement to end plastic pollution.
"This outcome is deeply disappointing given the urgency of the crisis. However, it is reassuring that countries did not settle for a weak, watered-down treaty."
The Geneva talks concluded without agreement on core measures needed to address plastic pollution such as binding commitments on sustainable production and consumption, the phase-out of harmful products and chemicals of concern, and fair, meaningful financing arrangements.
"A political compromise was not possible this time, as some countries continued to insist on limiting the treaty's scope to recycling and waste management rather than addressing the full life cycle of plastics," Bernasconi-Osterwalder added. "If we are serious about tackling plastic pollution and its impacts, we must take action at every stage—from production to consumption."
INC-5.2 Chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso adjourned the talks, noting that they will resume at a later date and location yet to be announced.
"With the next session still to be scheduled, our experts remain committed to supporting the process. The plastics crisis is intensifying by the day, and the world urgently needs innovative, ambitious global action," Bernasconi-Osterwalder concluded.
Participating experts
Nathalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder
Vice-President, Global Strategies and Managing Director, Europe
Nathalie leads major new initiatives across IISD’s programs, is the institute’s senior leader in Europe, and heads IISD’s Economic Law and Policy program. She is based out of IISD’s office in Geneva, and is IISD Europe’s representative in the Think Sustainable Europe network of think tanks.
Ieva Baršauskaitė
Lead, Trade and Green Transition
Ieva Baršauskaitė leads IISD's work on trade and the green transition, including research and advisory work with governments on the role of trade policy in industrial decarbonization and green energy transition and the fight against major environmental challenges, such as plastic pollution.
Emily Kroft
Policy Advisor
Emily is a Policy Advisor for IISD's Water program. She leads on international policy recommendations for the team, specifically those related to plastic pollution and sustainable fisheries. She also leads the IISD Next program, engaging and inspiring hundreds of young people around the world.
Paulina Resich
Senior Communications Manager
A communications professional with over 15 years experience, Paulina has a strong background in digital marketing and content production. She merged digital storytelling and new technologies in her work for Google, CERN, and the International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights in Geneva.
Valentina Romoli
Policy Advisor and Coordinator
Valentina Romoli is a policy advisor and coordinator for IISD. Based in Italy, she coordinates IISD’s engagement with international environmental and sustainable development negotiations.
Lynn Wagner
Senior Director, International Environmental Governance
Lynn M. Wagner is Senior Director of the International Environmental Governance program at IISD. She oversees projects that seek to increase the accountability of decision making for sustainable development policy, and develop indicator and reporting tools.
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