Nations Reconvene in Geneva to Negotiate Global Plastics Treaty

A new round of negotiations for a global plastics treaty will occur in Geneva this August. Previously, nations couldn't reach an agreement on a treaty during meetings in Busan. Key issues include plastic production caps and financial assistance for developing countries. The geopolitical landscape poses challenges.

A fresh round of talks aimed at forging a worldwide treaty on plastics is set to begin in Geneva, as announced by the United Nations Environment Programme. These negotiations follow a previous meeting in Busan, South Korea, where no consensus was reached.

The goal of the U.N. Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) meeting in Busan was to conclude a legally binding treaty. However, differing opinions on the treaty's scope caused a postponement of final decisions. The most contentious points included setting limits on plastic production, managing hazardous chemicals, and establishing financial systems to support developing nations.

With over 100 nations backing a treaty draft to cut global plastic output, opposition mainly from oil-producing states remains a hurdle. The geopolitical climate, strained by actions such as the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and recent EU policy relaxations, may further complicate these discussions in Geneva.

(With inputs from agencies.)