Almost three and a half years since the adoption of UN Environment Assembly Resolution 5/14, the world is on the brink of agreeing a historic instrument to end plastic pollution.
This is a treaty the world wants and needs. People are concerned, for good reason: plastic pollution is in nature, in our oceans, in our very bodies, where it does not belong. From the intensive diplomacy I have seen over the last few months outside the formal process, I do believe that Member States understand this. I believe they want a treaty.
But we must be honest. Yes, Busan and subsequent consultations have helped move us forward. Yes, there is convergence. And points of contention remain. But there is a path to a treaty even it may be narrow.
So, the next 10 days will be critical. It is up to Member States to find consensus and compromise to deliver an instrument that is both impactful and allows for further development in line with what the world demands. What matters is that we keep our eye on the prize: a future free of plastic pollution that allows everyone to prosper.
Let us also not forget how far we have come and, crucially, how we got here. While led by Member States, this process has been reinforced by active stakeholder participation and your voices.
It took a global village to bring us to this point. Governments, yes, but also the scientists who inform us about the impacts of plastic pollution and possible solutions. Civil society and Indigenous Peoples groups, which represent the people who are impacted by plastic pollution. Waste pickers, who work under difficult conditions to revitalize the value of a material that should be long-lasting, durable and reusable not tossed away after one or two uses. Youth, who advocate change, and the private sector, where some innovations are beginning to take root.
Since the adoption of the resolution, stakeholders have been walking alongside Member States. Bringing knowledge, science and critical perspectives on the impacts of plastic pollution on communities, economies, and planetary and human health. Ultimately, stakeholders have made this process stronger.
Beyond these negotiations, stakeholders have put plastic pollution front and centre and helped us imagine what a different future free of plastic pollution could look like. They shine a light on the science and on the need for urgent action around the world. They have been central to mobilizing action and let us also not forget that there has been action by encouraging communities to act and aligning finances at the local level and beyond.
I thank every stakeholder for their inputs, influence and hard work. UNEP has and will continue to facilitate the participation of all relevant stakeholders in this process in line with the United Nations Environment Assembly resolution so we can end plastic pollution for everyone, everywhere. And I am grateful to Switzerland for creating this space to further amplify the voice of stakeholders.
As the work of INC-5.2 begins, I call on all nations to not just hear stakeholder voices, but to listen to them. And craft an instrument, for the people and influenced by the people, that helps delivers on the right of everyone, everywhere to a safe, healthy environment.
