Pakistan seeks Gulf, regional backing for global plastics treaty at Geneva talks
The discussions took place during the Fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-5.2), part of ongoing UN-led efforts to produce the first legally binding international agreement to curb plastic waste. Negotiations have drawn wide participation from governments, industry and civil society, with particular focus on measures to reduce plastic production, boost recycling, and address the mounting environmental and economic costs of plastic pollution.
Pakistan has positioned itself as a voice for developing countries in the talks, stressing the need for fairness, financial support and technology transfer to help poorer nations tackle the crisis. Gulf states, several of which are major petrochemical producers, are seen as key stakeholders in shaping the treaty's scope and implementation, both as plastic producers and as potential investors in recycling and waste-management infrastructure.
'The discussions focused on advancing cooperation for a fair and effective Global Plastics Treaty, promoting circular economy solutions, and mobilizing resources to address the disproportionate impacts of plastic pollution on developing countries,' the Pakistani climate ministry said in its statement after Climate Minister Dr. Musadik Malik held an interactive briefing with delegations from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Iran, Azerbaijan, Algeria, and Kuwait.
The ministry said the engagements 'formed part of Pakistan's broader diplomatic outreach to build consensus and strengthen partnerships for equitable global environmental action.'
The second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-5.2), opened on Aug. 12 in Geneva. The session aims to finalize and approve the text of the agreement and forward it for consideration and adoption at a future Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries.
INC-5.2 takes place from 5 – 14 August, follows INC 5, which took place in November/December 2024 in Busan, Republic of Korea.
'Plastic pollution is already in nature, in our oceans and even in our bodies. If we continue as on this trajectory, the whole world will be drowning in plastic pollution – with massive consequences for our planetary, economic and human health,' said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. 'But this does not have to be our future. Together, we can solve this challenge. Agreeing a treaty text is the first step to beating plastic pollution for everyone, everywhere.'
'We are here today to fulfil an international mandate. This is a unique and historic opportunity for the international community to bridge differences and find common ground. It is not just a test of our diplomacy— it is a test of our collective responsibility to protect the environment, safeguard human health, enable sustainable economies, and stand in solidarity with those most affected by this plastic pollution crisis,' said Luis Vayas Valdivieso, Chair of the INC.
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