ASH joins the Stop Tobacco Pollution Alliance in attending the second session of the fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Conference (INC-5.2) of the United Nations Treaty to End Plastic Pollution in Geneva, Switzerland from August 5 – 14, 2025. ASH’s Executive Director Laurent Huber will share updates and progress here for our community to stay engaged and informed.
Contentious Draft Text Divides Negotiators as Plastics Treaty Talks Near Deadline
August 13, 2025 – On the ninth day of negotiations for the UN treaty to end plastic pollution, the Chair released a new text that drew strong criticism from both ends of the spectrum. High-ambition countries seeking a robust agreement to protect the world from plastic pollution were dissatisfied, as were governments that favor a more limited waste management–focused treaty.
While the draft includes token references to human rights and human health, and sets product reduction criteria that could be applied to items like cigarette filters, many environmental NGOs warned that the text appeared to favor fossil fuel, petrochemical, and plastics industry interests. The delegation of Panama was direct, stating, “this treaty cannot be accepted as the basis for negotiations” if it is to meaningfully safeguard people and the planet.
With widespread dissatisfaction, governments will meet again tonight in regional groups before resuming formal negotiations tomorrow. With roughly 24 hours remaining, the question remains: will countries agree to a strong, legally binding treaty to curb plastic pollution—or will financial interests once again overshadow environmental and public health priorities?
ASH’s Key Points for INC-5.2 are available to review in: English
