UN chief regrets failure to reach global plastic pollution treaty

Days after countries failed to agree on a legally binding pact to combat plastic pollution, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday expressed regret over the deadlock in negotiations.

“I deeply regret that, despite earnest efforts, negotiations to reach an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, concluded without achieving consensus. I welcome the determination of member states to continue working to beat plastic pollution and remain engaged in the process, united in purpose, to deliver the treaty the world needs to tackle this monumental challenge to people and the environment,” Guterres said.

Nearly 180 countries had been deliberating at the UN offices in Geneva since August 5 in an effort to reach a consensus on ending plastic pollution.

The talks stalled largely because countries remained divided between those pushing for a cap on new plastic production and others — mainly oil-producing states — who wanted the agreement to focus only on waste management.

Neelesh Sah, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said: “There should not be a global listing of products or chemicals with phase-out dates at this stage. Given that the instrument has to be implemented by states in a nationally driven manner, due consideration must be given to national circumstances and capabilities.”