Location: Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland
Date: August 5-14, 2025
Compiled by: Founder/Executive Director, Development Initiative for Community Impact (DICI), observer delegate to INC-5.2
Introduction
As the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to address plastic pollution and its impact on the marine environment, the meeting carried significant weight. Participants from 184 member states and over 600 organizations gathered with a shared mission: to work toward a comprehensive treaty aimed at mitigating the global crisis of plastic pollution. The importance of collective action and negotiation was emphasized in every aspect of the proceedings.
Opening Remarks and Acknowledgments
In the opening speeches, the urgent need to address plastic pollution was outlined, with focus on its far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, human health, and vulnerable populations. Delegations were encouraged to engage collaboratively and take ownership of the negotiation text, a critical component of achieving a meaningful and inclusive global agreement by the conference’s conclusion.
- Key points:
- Plastic pollution as a global crisis.
- The call for collective action from all stakeholders.
- The goal to reach an effective treaty by August 14, 2025.
Plastic Pollution Treaty Negotiations
A significant portion of the discussions revolved around the negotiation process of the treaty. Delegates worked to draft the treaty text, addressing the multifaceted aspects of plastic pollution’s impact on the environment and public health. While the document focused primarily on reducing plastic production and waste, participants also debated important considerations like human rights and the role of marginalized groups, especially women and indigenous peoples.
- Key Topics Discussed:
- The need for binding obligations.
- The inclusion of human rights provisions.
- Addressing the impact on women, especially in conflict zones.
Health Provisions in the Treaty
A critical issue raised during the conference was the integration of health-related provisions into the treaty. Several delegations pushed for a standalone article dedicated to addressing the health impacts of plastic pollution, particularly regarding microplastics and chemicals that leach from plastics. A significant debate occurred about whether health provisions should fall under the purview of specialized international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) or if they should be directly addressed within the treaty itself.
- Key Points:
- Necessity for a dedicated article on health.
- Disagreement over WHO’s involvement.
- Concerns about the capacity of developing countries to monitor plastic pollution.
Just Transition and Vulnerable Communities
Another major topic was the concept of “just transition”, ensuring that workers and communities dependent on the plastic industry are not left behind as the global economy shifts toward sustainable alternatives. Several countries, including Brazil and Kenya, advocated for the inclusion of measures to protect these communities.
- Key Points:
- Importance of incorporating justice for workers in the treaty.
- Debates on the language around “historical” responsibility for pollution.
- Support for clearer protections for indigenous and local communities.
Negotiation Process and Strategy
Delegates participated in detailed discussions around the treaty’s core articles, with particular emphasis on Articles 4, 5, and 6, which covered the reduction of plastic production and waste, financing mechanisms, and monitoring frameworks. The contact groups formed to negotiate specific articles were tasked with crafting text that would ultimately form the basis for the treaty.
- Key Points:
- Focus on reducing plastic waste and production.
- Creation of specialized contact groups to manage negotiation details.
- Discussion on how to harmonize definitions and streamline decision-making processes.
Social Dynamics and Inclusion in Negotiations
A significant issue that arose was the challenge of including smaller delegations and ensuring that all countries, particularly developing nations, had a voice in the negotiations. There were concerns about the influence of large fossil fuel industries on the discussions and the need for more transparent decision-making processes.
- Key Points:
- Calls for greater inclusivity in negotiations.
- There were concerns on the social dynamics and perceived exclusion of certain stakeholders.
Collaborative Engagement and Future Steps
The conference concluded with a positive outlook, as delegates committed to continued collaboration and further meetings. Key next steps included refining the treaty text, ensuring that health provisions were appropriately addressed, and considering how to effectively implement just transition strategies for workers affected by the changes in the plastic industry.
- Key Points:
- Continued engagement with member states and stakeholders.
- Focus on finalizing the treaty text in upcoming sessions.
- Emphasis on transparency and inclusivity in the final stages of negotiation.
Conclusion
The INC-5.2 session was a pivotal moment in the global effort to combat plastic pollution. Through collaboration, debate, and negotiation, the session laid the groundwork for a treaty that promises to address one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. The commitment to a collective, unified response was clear, and delegates departed Geneva with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
