Negotiations on an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution have reached an impasse. While a clear majority of countries now support binding measures across the full life cycle of plastics, progress has been repeatedly stalled by a small group of states opposing such measures. Resolving this will require negotiators to lift their gaze from challenges of the moment to refocus on the primary, long-term goal of the negotiations: to achieve transformative and meaningful impacts.
WWF CALLS ON AMBITIOUS STATES TO:
- Develop and refine fit-for-purpose technical proposals that focus on incentive-based, mutually reinforcing measures that can ensure the treaty’s effectiveness—for proactive discussions prior to further INC meetings;
- Create opportunities and arenas for substantive dialogue on critical treaty design elements, particularly among countries most committed to robust, binding measures; and
- Engage with hesitant countries to explore flexibility mechanisms and support packages, aiming to broaden participation, build a larger critical mass, and strengthen the treaty’s collective influence and self-enforcing design.
