UN chief expresses disagreement over failure to reach global plastic pollution treaty

UN chief expresses disagreement over failure to reach global plastic pollution treaty
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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed his regret over the failure to reach a global agreement on a treaty to combat plastic pollution, Anadolu Agency reported. Speaking on Friday, Guterres said, “I deeply regret that despite sincere efforts, negotiations to establish an international legally binding instrument addressing plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, ended without consensus.”

He also recognized the dedication of countries in confronting what he described as a significant threat to both human health and the planet. “I welcome the determination of member states to continue working together to overcome plastic pollution and remain engaged in the process, united in purpose, to deliver the treaty the world urgently needs to tackle this enormous challenge for people and the environment,” he added.

This statement followed high-level discussions in Geneva, where representatives from 185 countries failed to agree on a global treaty to address plastic pollution. The talks, which started on August 5 and were scheduled to conclude on Thursday, were extended by a day. Despite the presentation of a late-night draft text to negotiators, no agreement was reached, largely due to ongoing disagreements about whether to prioritize phasing out plastics or improving waste management systems.