UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed disappointment as nations failed to reach consensus on a plastic pollution treaty.
NEW YORK: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced regret over the lack of agreement during the latest round of international negotiations aimed at formulating a legally binding plastic pollution treaty. The talks, which aimed to curb plastic waste worldwide—including marine plastic pollution—ended without consensus.
Despite “intensive efforts” by negotiators, the global plastic treaty deadlock continues, leaving environmental advocates concerned about the pace of progress. In a statement released by the Secretary-General’s office, Guterres praised member states for their commitment to continue pushing for an eventual agreement.
He reaffirmed the UN’s support for ongoing efforts and called for renewed determination to finalise “the treaty the world needs to confront this immense challenge facing people and the environment.”
The global plastic treaty deadlock has become a central issue as countries confront rising plastic production and its impacts on oceans, ecosystems, and human health. Environmentalists hoped the treaty would become the first comprehensive global legal framework targeting plastic pollution from production to disposal.
Although the outcome fell short of expectations, the talks showed clear commitment from many nations to work together. Countries now plan to continue discussions ahead of the final scheduled negotiation session expected in late 2025.
The proposed treaty remains one of the most ambitious international environmental agreements currently under development. If passed, it could transform how the world produces, uses, and disposes of plastic.
