By Abbas Nazil
A global agreement to end plastic pollution remains within reach despite recent setbacks in negotiations, according to the head of the United Nations Environment Programme, Inger Andersen.
The commitment to tackle plastic pollution was first made in February 2022 during the resumed fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, when countries agreed to work toward ending plastic pollution, including in marine environments.
Since that landmark decision, six formal meetings have been held, generating significant global momentum and renewed political attention around one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
While meaningful progress has been achieved, Andersen stressed that further dialogue, diplomacy and time are still required to fully deliver on the promise of UNEA resolution 5/14.
High expectations surrounded the second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, known as INC-5.2, where many hoped the process could be concluded.
However, after ten intense days of negotiations, consensus proved elusive, leading to disappointment among many delegations given the urgency of the issue.
Andersen noted that these negotiations have taken place against a backdrop of complex geopolitical tensions, economic pressures and broader strains on multilateral cooperation.
She explained that such external challenges have made agreement more difficult and continue to influence the pace and direction of talks.
Ending plastic pollution was also described as an inherently complex task, with wide-ranging implications for countries at different stages of development and with differing economic structures.
According to Andersen, the scale and scope of the issue mean that solutions must balance global commitments with national realities.
She further pointed out that similar international environmental agreements historically took far longer than the three and a half years spent so far on the plastics treaty process.
Despite unresolved divisions, Andersen said INC-5.2 marked the deepest engagement yet with the draft treaty text.
Delegations made constructive proposals, clarified positions and showed increasing convergence on several critical elements of a potential agreement.
Key disagreements remain on issues such as scope, plastic production, specific products, financing mechanisms and decision-making structures.
Further work is also needed to strike the right balance between legally binding global rules and nationally determined measures.
Nevertheless, all countries have reaffirmed their commitment to remain engaged in the process and build on progress already made.
Andersen emphasised that no nation wants to bear the environmental, economic and health costs associated with unchecked plastic pollution.
UNEP, she said, remains fully committed to supporting Member States in delivering on the original UNEA mandate and improving how it serves countries throughout the negotiations.
Looking ahead, the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee will hold a one-day resumed session, INC-5.3, on February 7, 2026, in Geneva.
The meeting will be administrative in nature and focus on electing officers, including a new Chair, following the contributions of previous leadership.
Member States were urged to use the intersessional period to make substantive progress through informal dialogue and trust-building.
Andersen warned that while consensus takes time, science shows that time is limited, urging countries to move carefully but with urgency.
She expressed confidence that nations can still deliver a historic treaty that sends a strong global signal and brings the world closer to ending plastic pollution.