UNEP Outlines Steps for Adopting and Signing Global Plastics Treaty

Bangkok – The UN Environment Program (UNEP) has set out how the global plastic pollution treaty would be adopted and opened for signature.

Presenting the process on 26 September, Stadler Trengove, UNEP’s principal legal officer and chief of its Environmental Rule of Law Branch, said the executive director must convene a diplomatic conference once negotiations conclude, as mandated by UN Environment Assembly Resolution 5/14. In line with UN practice, the conference is expected to adopt the treaty only, with signing to follow.

The process has five steps: completing negotiations, an optional preparatory meeting to draft resolutions, adoption of the text at the conference, 4 to 6 weeks of preparing certified copies, and opening for signature. Timing and venue are set through consultations with member states, based on the readiness of the text and offers to host. The UN Secretary-General is expected to serve as depositary.

All UN member states, members of specialized agencies, regional economic integration organizations and civil society groups may take part. States not represented by a head of state, head of government or foreign minister must submit credentials to participate fully, adopt the text and sign the conference’s Final Act, which creates no legal obligations.

Signing the treaty itself also creates no binding obligations, though states must avoid acts that would defeat its purpose. Consent to be bound comes later through ratification, acceptance or approval, or through accession without prior signature.