Plastic pollution treaty talks adjourn, but countries want to 'remain at the table': UNEP chief

15 August 2025 – Geneva: The international push for consensus on a legally binding deal to address plastic pollution concerns reached a stalemate on 15 August, with UN Member States agreeing to resume discussions at a future date.

Despite strong efforts to reach an agreement, the session was unfortunately unsuccessful. Still, Secretary-General António Guterres is hopeful, welcoming 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.”

Approximately 1,400 delegates from 183 countries came together to highlight the importance of the proposed agreement, drawing in thousands of observers from all over the world.

The meeting in Geneva was the resumed fifth session of talks of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2), after previous talks in Busan (INC-5.1) had taken place in November of 2024.

Several members of civil society, including Indigenous Peoples, waste pickers, artists, and young people participated in the session, raising their voices through press briefings and events in and around the Palais des Nations.

Though engagement was high, Members of the INC were unable to reach a consensus on the proposed texts, according to UNEP.

This, however, is not a dead end, but just another hurdle to overcome. Delegates and INC Members will continue to spur new ideas and renew commitments to the plastic pollution crisis. The day when the international community comes together to protect the integrity of our planet Earth will soon arrive.

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