UN Plastic Treaty Talks End Without Agreement Yet

The latest round of United Nations negotiations to secure a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution has concluded without an agreement. This outcome has left governments, civil society groups, and environmental advocates frustrated yet determined. The talks took place over ten days at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, bringing together more than 2,600 participants, including 1,400 delegates from 183 nations and nearly 1,000 observers from over 400 organizations.

This session, known as INC-5.2, followed an earlier round of discussions in Busan, South Korea. It aimed to move the world closer to finalizing a global treaty covering every stage of plastics’ life cycle—from production and design to waste management and disposal. The urgency of these negotiations highlights the growing evidence of plastic pollution found in almost every corner of the planet. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has warned that plastics are now present in groundwater, soil, rivers, oceans, and even human bodies.

Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, captured the atmosphere of the negotiations in her closing remarks. “This has been a hard-fought 10 days against the backdrop of geopolitical complexities, economic challenges, and multilateral strains,” she said. “However, one thing remains clear: despite these complexities, all countries clearly want to remain at the table.”

While governments debated inside the conference rooms, civil society organizations were active and visible outside. Indigenous Peoples, waste pickers, scientists, youth activists, and artists organized protests, installations, and briefings to call for a strong, binding treaty. These groups urged negotiators to confront the growing crisis and to avoid what they see as repeated delays.

Four contact groups formed the core of the formal negotiations. They worked in parallel on key issues like global design standards for plastic products, the regulation of hazardous chemicals, possible caps on plastic production, and methods for financing and compliance. Yet despite what UNEP described as “intensive engagement,” no consensus on the draft treaty text was reached. Deep divides remain, especially on whether the treaty should set binding limits on plastic production and how financial responsibilities should be shared between developed and developing nations.

The inability to resolve these differences left many negotiators disheartened but not entirely dissuaded. INC Chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso acknowledged the frustration but encouraged participants to stay focused. “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,” he told delegates at the end of the talks.

Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the INC Secretariat, also stressed that the session provided not only setbacks but also valuable lessons. “As this session concludes, we leave with an understanding of the challenges ahead and a renewed commitment to address them. Progress must now be our obligation,” she said.

The effort to create a binding global treaty began in March 2022 when the UN Environment Assembly adopted Resolution 5.2. This resolution mandates the development of a tool to tackle plastic pollution across its life cycle. The goal remains to finish the process with a final treaty text ready for adoption at a diplomatic conference, although a date for the next round of negotiations has not yet been set.

For environmental advocates, the absence of concrete progress is deeply troubling. WWF expressed its disappointment sharply. Erin Simon, Vice President and Head of Plastic Waste & Business, warned that delays come at a high cost. “It’s deeply disappointing to leave Geneva without meaningful progress once again,” Simon said. “This breakdown in negotiations means the plastic crisis will continue unchecked, while the world waits for the urgent action it desperately needs. The path forward is now uncertain. We urge the majority of countries—who unified throughout this process to show their commitment to ending plastic pollution—to reaffirm their leadership. In whatever comes next, there must be no more excuses. It’s time to show that protecting people and the planet is non-negotiable.”

Public pressure is expected to remain a key factor in keeping momentum alive. UNEP’s Andersen reminded delegates that citizens worldwide are increasingly demanding strong action. “People are demanding a treaty,” she stressed.

The outcome of the Geneva talks shows both the scale of the challenge and the commitment of governments and civil society to confront it. While no breakthrough was achieved this time, the process continues, and the stakes could not be higher. The world produces over 400 million tonnes of plastic annually, and without bold global actions, that number is projected to nearly triple by 2060. For communities already facing health and environmental issues from plastic waste, the urgency of a strong agreement is not debatable but a matter of survival.

As the negotiations advance, all eyes will be on whether governments can close their gaps and turn public demand into binding commitments. The Geneva talks may have ended in a deadlock, but the global pursuit for a treaty to end plastic pollution is far from finished.