After more than ten days of extensive discussions, delegations from about 184 countries were unable to reach a consensus on the adoption of an internationally binding treaty on plastics pollution during the negotiations held in Geneva, Switzerland.
This outcome highlights existing divisions among participating nations within various negotiation groups, as parties rejected two proposed drafts intended for adoption. Similarly, the third version of a proposed draft published at the early hours of Friday before the commencement of the closing plenary, was equally shelved by parties.
“The fifth session of the second part of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) is hereby adjourned and will resume at a later date,” declared the Chair of the INC, Luis Valdivieso, in response to mounting pressure from the Heads of Delegation from Kuwait and the United States, who expressed frustration at the progress of the negotiations.
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The difficulties in achieving consensus became apparent on Friday, following an extension of negotiations that were initially scheduled to conclude on 14 August, but which extended to 15 August due to repeated delays in convening the closing plenary session.
During the closing plenary, delegates/representatives of the participating countries took turns in expressing their concerns and devotion to achieve an encompassing agreement in the near future.
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