ASH joins the Cease Tobacco Air pollution Alliance in attending the second session of the fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Convention (INC-5.2) of the United Nations Treaty to Finish Plastic Air pollution in Geneva, Switzerland from August 5 – 14, 2025. ASH’s Govt Director Laurent Huber will share updates and progress right here for our neighborhood to remain engaged and knowledgeable.
Contentious Draft Textual content Divides Negotiators as Plastics Treaty Talks Close to Deadline
August 13, 2025 – On the ninth day of negotiations for the UN treaty to finish plastic air pollution, the Chair launched a brand new textual content that drew sturdy criticism from each ends of the spectrum. Excessive-ambition international locations searching for a sturdy settlement to guard the world from plastic air pollution had been dissatisfied, as had been governments that favor a extra restricted waste administration–centered treaty.
Whereas the draft contains token references to human rights and human well being, and units product discount standards that could possibly be utilized to gadgets like cigarette filters, many environmental NGOs warned that the textual content appeared to favor fossil gasoline, petrochemical, and plastics business pursuits. The delegation of Panama was direct, stating, “this treaty can’t be accepted as the premise for negotiations” whether it is to meaningfully safeguard individuals and the planet.
With widespread dissatisfaction, governments will meet once more tonight in regional teams earlier than resuming formal negotiations tomorrow. With roughly 24 hours remaining, the query stays: will international locations comply with a powerful, legally binding treaty to curb plastic air pollution—or will monetary pursuits as soon as once more overshadow environmental and public well being priorities?
ASH’s Key Factors for INC-5.2 can be found to evaluate in: English
