Plastic pollution treaty negotiations adjourn in Busan, to resume next year

Despite intense discussions, delegates recognised the need for more time to address divergent views and refine the treaty's framework.

The session, which began on November 25, brought together more than 3,300 participants, including representatives from over 170 nations and more than 440 observer organizations.

Delegates agreed on a "Chair's Text" prepared by Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) Chair, Ambassador Luis Vaya's Valdivieso of Ecuador, which will serve as the basis for future negotiations.

Clear and undeniable commitment

Speaking at the session's closing, Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), acknowledged the progress made while emphasising the challenges that remain.

"The world's commitment to ending plastic pollution is clear and undeniable. Here in Busan, talks have moved us closer to agreeing on a global legally binding treaty that will protect our health, our environment, and our future from the onslaught of plastic pollution," she said.

She highlighted that "good progress" was made in Busan, adding however that "persisting divergence" remains in key areas.

"Negotiators have reached a greater degree of convergence on the structure and elements of the treaty text, as well as a better understanding of country positions and shared challenges. But it is clear there is persisting divergence in critical areas and more time is needed for these areas to be addressed."

The INC will resume discussions in 2025, with the venue yet to be announced.

An ambitious mandate takes time

INC Chair Vayas underscored that the INC Committee's mandate "has always been ambitious".

"But ambition takes time to land. We have many of the elements that we need, and Busan has put us firmly on a pathway to success," he said.

"I call on all delegations to continue making paths, building bridges, and engaging in dialogue…let us always remember that our purpose is noble and urgent: to reverse and remedy the severe effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems and human health,"

A pervasive problem

Plastic pollution remains a major global challenge.

Every day, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic are dumped into the world's oceans, rivers and lakes, posing severe risks to wildlife and human health. Microplastics have been found in food, water, soil and even in human organs and placenta of newborn babies.

The treaty, mandated by a 2022 UN Environment Assembly resolution, seeks to addresses the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design and disposal, through an international legally binding instrument.