The international push for consensus on a legally binding deal to end plastic pollution proved beyond the grasp of weary UN Member States meeting in Geneva on Friday, as they agreed to resume discussions at a future date.
"This has been a hard-fought 10 days against the backdrop of geopolitical complexities, economic challenges and multilateral strains," said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme ( UNEP ). "However, one thing remains clear: despite these complexities, all countries clearly want to remain at the table."
Speaking to media at the end of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) talks at the UN in the Swiss city, Ms. Andersen emphasized how Member States had expressed a clear wish to continue engaging in the process, recognising 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.
World view
"People are demanding a treaty," the UN agency head continued, before underscoring the hard work that lies ahead to maintain the momentum needed to ink a binding international accord.
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 previous talks in Busan known as INC-5.1 - gathered more than 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.
NGO voices heard
The session also 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.
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", UNEP said.
In addition to meetings together in UN Geneva's vast assembly hall, four contact groups were created to tackle key issues including plastic design, chemicals of concern, production caps, finance and compliance instruments.
Despite "intensive engagement", Members of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee was unable to reach consensus on the proposed texts , UNEP explained.
Chair's action call
"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," said INC Chair, Luis Vayas Valdivieso.
"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.
"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."
