By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme Inger Andersen on Friday said that the international push for consensus on a legally binding deal to end plastic pollution ended with weary nations, they agreed to resume discussions at a future date.
Inger Andersen 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.”
UN head António 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, responded to news of the failure to reach agreement.
“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.”
Ms. Andersen emphasized how Member States had expressed a clear wish to continue engaging in the process, recognized 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.
“People are demanding a treaty,” she continued, as she underscored the hard work that lies ahead to maintain the momentum needed to ink a binding international accord.
The delegates from 183 nations attested to the convening power and importance of the proposed agreement, with some Pacific island representatives complete with dazzling fresh blooms in their hair – rubbing shoulders with other participants, drained by the final all-night negotiating session.
The resumed fifth session of talks referred to as INC-5.2, after talks in Busan known as INC-5.1 – gathered over 2,600 participants at the UN Palais des Nations. In addition to the approximately 1,400 country delegates, there were close to 1,000 observers representing at least 400 organizations.
The session involved the active participation of civil society including Indigenous Peoples, waste pickers, artists, young people and scientists.
They raised their voices through protests, art installations, press briefings and events in and around the Palace of Nations.
UNEP said that the goal of the negotiations was to agree on a text for the legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution “and highlight unresolved issues requiring further preparatory work ahead of a diplomatic conference”.
The 4 four contact groups were created to tackle key issues including plastic design, chemicals of concern, production caps, finance and compliance instruments, UNEP stated.
It explained that despite “intensive engagement”, Members of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee was unable to reach consensus on the proposed texts.
INC Chair, 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 aspiration.”
“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.
Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the INC Secretariat said “As this session concludes, we leave with an understanding of the challenges ahead and a renewed and shared commitment to address them,” said. “Progress must now be our obligation,” she added.
