Global Talks on Plastic Pollution Treaty Conclude in South Korea without Final Agreement
Busan – The fifth round of negotiations to create a legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution concluded in Busan, South Korea, without finalizing an agreement. Despite initial expectations to deliver the treaty by the end of 2024, nations agreed to reconvene next year for further deliberations.
This session saw record participation, with over 3,300 attendees, including representatives from 170 countries and nearly 450 organizations. However, disagreements over key issues, particularly plastic production limits, stalled progress. Panama introduced a proposal to address global plastic production, gaining support from over 100 countries. While the proposal lacked specific caps, it emphasized the need for a future global target, signaling growing consensus on reducing the sheer volume of plastic entering the environment. Juan Carlos Monterrey, Panama’s delegation head, expressed determination, saying, “The nations standing up for a strong treaty may have been delayed, but they will not be stopped”.
Concerns were also raised over the limited inclusivity of the talks. Environmental groups and Indigenous leaders criticized the closed-door nature of the negotiations, which they said excluded critical voices. The International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Plastics condemned the draft treaty for failing to recognize Indigenous rights and perspectives.
Despite these challenges, optimism remains that an agreement will be reached at the next session. UN Environment Programme Executive Director Inger Andersen stressed the urgency of action, reminding delegates that plastic pollution continues to escalate globally. On her closing remarks she said, “We may close this session today but the world will be still watching tomorrow”.
Sivendra Michael, Fiji’s Secretary for the Environment and Climate Change, called on negotiators to remain resolute, highlighting the potential of the treaty to serve as a lasting legacy for future generations
The meeting in Busan, south Korea was supposed to be the concluding fifth round of negotiations. However, after extended late night discussions, nations failed to reconcile their differences missing their crucial two-year deadline.