After 10 days of negotiations, global efforts to finalise a legally binding treaty to combat plastic pollution ended in Geneva on Friday without a consensus on the final text.
The resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) drew more than 2,600 participants, including 1,400 delegates from 183 countries, nearly 1,000 observers from over 400 organisations, and about 100 high-level officials.
While no agreement was reached, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) confirmed that member states agreed to resume discussions at a later date, showing a shared commitment to continue the process. The aim of the session was to agree on the treaty’s text and pinpoint unresolved issues ahead of a planned diplomatic conference.
Negotiations began with a Chair’s draft from the last session in Busan and were divided into contact groups focusing on topics such as plastic design, hazardous chemicals, production caps, financing, and compliance. Two new draft proposals emerged, but consensus remained out of reach.
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen described the talks as “hard-fought” against a backdrop of geopolitical and economic challenges but stressed that countries were united in their determination to keep working toward an agreement.
“While we did not land the treaty text we hoped for, UNEP will continue the work against plastic pollution – pollution that is in our groundwater, soil, rivers, oceans, and even in our bodies,” Andersen said.
INC Chair, Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso, acknowledged the disappointment but urged renewed commitment. “Failing to reach the goal we set for ourselves may bring frustration, but it should spur us to regain energy and unite our aspirations,” he said.
The push for a global plastic treaty began in March 2022, when the UN Environment Assembly adopted a landmark resolution to create a legally binding instrument to tackle plastic pollution, including marine waste. Negotiations have since been held in Uruguay, France, Kenya, Canada, and South Korea.
INC Secretariat Executive Secretary Jyoti Mathur-Filipp concluded that while challenges remain, there is a “renewed and shared commitment” to make progress.
About the author
Rema, LISA and Anitta perform “Goals” at World Cup 2026 opening ceremony
Nigerian singer Rema, K-pop star LISA from BLACKPINK, and Brazilian singer-songwriter Anitta performed their new single "Goals" at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles, California. The spectacular performance took place at SoFi Stadium ahead of the tournament's opening match between France and Canada, bringing together music and football culture from three continents. Fans experienced the energy of LISA, Anitta and Rema during the spectacular opening ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium, watching the full performance online and experiencing the music, culture and excitement that helped launch football's greatest tournament. Rema, the Nigerian rapper, shared an incredible experience performing with LISA and Anitta at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Instagram. The trio performed "Goals" live - the song they created specifically for the FIFA World Cup - marking a groundbreaking moment […]
Nollywood actress Toyin Adewale says marriage is not a do-or-die affair
Nollywood actress Toyin Adewale has shared her personal views on marriage, saying it is not a "do-or-die affair" for her and that she would not remain in a relationship where physical violence occurs. According to the actress, marriage has never been a do-or-die commitment for her, and she would never stay in a relationship where physical abuse takes place. She explained that "if there's no violence involved and it's just little things, I can try to work on it," but physical beating is unacceptable and she would leave. Toyin Adewale is a well-known Yoruba actress in the Nigerian film industry and has been married for many years. She has previously spoken about why actresses don't last in marriages, arguing that the entertainment industry should not be blamed for broken marriages. For 33 years, she and her husband have stayed together […]
Former Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim emerges as leading AC Milan candidate
Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly in contention for the managerial position at AC Milan after the dismissal of Max Allegri following a disappointing conclusion to their Serie A campaign. Amorim's tenure at Manchester United came to an end in January, marking a lackluster period at Old Trafford. Having been without a managerial role for the past six months, Amorim now has a chance to take the helm at one of Europe's most prestigious clubs. AC Milan is actively seeking a new coach and is set to reach out to various candidates after parting ways with Allegri once the Serie A season concluded. In addition to Amorim, AC Milan's management is also considering Oliver Glasner, another manager currently without a position, who has a provisional two-year contract offer on the table. During his tenure at Sporting CP, Oliver […]
Folarin Balogun scores brace as USA thrash Paraguay 4-1
United States striker Folarin Balogun scored two goals to help the U.S. men's national team beat Paraguay 4-1 in their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Inglewood, California. This was Balogun's World Cup debut in what Mauricio Pochettino's enthusiastic squad call a "dreamy night" for the striker. Balogun became the first U.S. men's national team player to score two goals in a World Cup game since the inaugural tournament in 1930. The Americans took the lead early in the seventh minute due to an own goal from Paraguay's Damián Bobadilla, then extended their advantage with Balogun's strikes in the 31st minute and in first-half stoppage time to end the first half with a commanding three-goal advantage. Balogun netted his first goal in the 31st minute as Christian Pulisic's deflected centering feed sat up perfectly for him to […]
An unusual World Cup marked by hostile reception for fans and teams
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, has been described as unusual and hostile, with passionate football fans facing visa barriers, inflated prices and poor facilities across the three host nations. Group-stage ticket prices have already been called "unusual and inflated" by supporters, while fans complain that the passionate supporters should not be cut off from the World Cup because of money. Stadiums have appeared empty at times, training pitches are poor, and airports have been described as obstacles rather than welcoming entry points for international visitors. Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa expressed frustration, saying "If the stadiums are empty, the training pitches are poor, and even the airports feel like obstacles, then what are we really celebrating?" Instead of discussing superstars and football teams, the focus has shifted to poor facilities, organization and […]
US Iran peace deal to be signed Sunday as Hormuz reopens
US President Donald Trump has announced that a deal between the United States and Iran is set to be finalized on Sunday, and that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen right after the agreement is signed. Pakistan, which has been mediating the talks, said a final agreed-upon text of a US-Iran peace deal has been reached, with only next steps needing clarification. The deal is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, extend the current ceasefire, and begin negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme. Under the terms of the proposed deal, the Strait of Hormuz would reopen to shipping, returning to the situation that existed before the US and Israel launched their recent military action against Iran. The ceasefire is expected to continue for a further 60 days, with conflict ending across multiple fronts including Lebanon. The proposed memorandum of understanding […]
Related
US Secret Service Kills Gunman Who Opened Fire Near White House
US Secret Service agents shot and killed a gunman who pulled out a weapon and started firing at a White House security checkpoint near Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street Northwest on Saturday evening. The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. when Nasire Best, 21, approached a gate on the west side of the White House brandishing a pistol and fired three times toward the building. Secret Service officers returned fire, striking the suspect who was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. A bystander was also struck during the exchange of gunfire, though it remains unclear whether that person was hit by the suspect's initial bullets or by the officers' return fire. The alleged shooter did not get inside the White House perimeter. No Secret Service officers were injured in the incident. President Donald Trump was inside […]
US reiterates recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Sahara
The United States has again reaffirmed its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and its support for Rabat’s autonomy plan for the disputed territory. Washington says genuine autonomy under Moroccan authority remains the only realistic basis for a lasting political solution. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio restated the position during talks in Washington with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. According to official readouts, Rubio said the US stance, first announced under President Donald Trump in 2020, has not changed. Trump had recognised Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara as part of a deal in which Rabat agreed to normalise relations with Israel. In a message to King Mohammed VI during his second term, he reiterated US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty and described the autonomy proposal as serious, credible and realistic. American officials have repeatedly stressed that they do not […]
Stop Watching the Hearing Start Demanding the Audit
When United States Congress wants answers, the same pattern plays out. The biggest name gets called in. Cameras switch on. Soundbites travel faster than facts. But the real story rarely sits at the microphone. It sits in the documents.It sits in internal emails.It sits with the staff who drafted policies and carried them out. When a leader refuses to answer directly, it raises a basic question. Why does the investigation stop there? Accountability doesn’t start at the top. It follows the chain. Serious oversight means looking beyond the headline witness. It means calling the deputies.The policy writers.The supervisors who signed off on decisions. Anyone who has watched a U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability hearing knows the pattern. High-profile testimony draws attention. But the details that explain what actually happened are usually buried deeper in the structure. Real investigations […]
Trump leaves East Wing of the White House after closed-door meetings
President Donald Trump made a brief but closely watched exit from the East Wing of the White House, drawing attention from reporters and onlookers gathered on the South Lawn. Shortly after concluding a series of meetings, Trump walked out through the East Wing entrance, accompanied by aides and Secret Service agents. He paused briefly to acknowledge questions shouted by members of the press pool but did not take extended questions. A measured departure Wearing a dark suit and signature red tie, the president appeared composed as he crossed the driveway toward his waiting motorcade. Supporters stationed near the perimeter fence waved and called out greetings, some holding up signs and smartphones to capture the moment. White House staff coordinated the movement with precision. Within minutes, the motorcade pulled away from the grounds, heading toward its next scheduled stop. Why the […]
Voter Data Fight and Trust in U.S. Democracy
A single photograph changed the tone of a national conversation. During a congressional hearing, an image circulated online showing Attorney General Pam Bondi holding notes that appeared to reference a lawmaker’s search history connected to Epstein-related materials. The image quickly went viral. Lawmakers from both parties raised concerns. Commentators questioned what it meant. The core issue was simple, but serious: If members of Congress are conducting oversight, and their research activity is being tracked or documented by the executive branch, does that threaten the balance of power? Oversight is not optional in a democracy. It is a constitutional duty. If legislators believe their investigative activity can be monitored or leveraged, even the perception of that possibility can chill independent inquiry. And that perception matters. But this story doesn’t stand alone. The Voter Data Battle Spanning 24+ States At the same […]
Iran arrests reformist leaders over alleged US and Israel links
Iranian authorities have arrested four individuals, including senior reformist figures, on accusations of attempting to disrupt the country’s political and social order and acting in the interests of Israel and the United States during last month’s antigovernment protests. The arrests were carried out late Sunday and early Monday, according to Iranian media reports, and targeted politicians who have recently voiced public criticism of Iran’s theocratic leadership. Those detained were identified as Azar Mansouri, head of Iran’s Reformists Front; Mohsen Aminzadeh, a former diplomat; and Ebrahim Asgharzadeh, a former member of parliament. Their lawyer, Hojjat Kermani, told the semi-official ISNA news agency that Javad Emam, a spokesperson for the Reformists Front, was also arrested at his home by security forces. Iran’s judiciary accused the group of organising and leading activities aimed at destabilising the country at a time when Iran was […]