Highlight 5/2026: UN Plastic Treaty Negotiations: Causes of Failure and Pathways to Consensus
Neda Milosavljevic, 10 February 2026
Plastic and synthetic material pollution has increased to a level that demands urgent international action. Fragments from these materials contaminates ecosystems, endangers species and poses risks to human health while contributing to climate change. The United Nations’ initiative to establish a global agreement seeks to address these problems comprehensively. Achieving an effective treaty is challenging, given the diversity of national interests, economic dependencies and technical complexities. We should analyze lessons from the past failures, explores key obstacles and presents strategies to promote a successful global agreement.
The negotiations for a global UN treaty on plastic pollution have encountered multiple obstacles, highlighting both the complexity of the problem and the difficulties of international cooperation. One key issue has been the variation of national priorities. Industrialized countries, historically major producers and consumers of plastics, often emphasize recycling, technological innovation and waste management. Emerging economies, on the other hand, frequently prioritize economic development and access to affordable plastics, despite suffering severe environmental consequences. These conflicting priorities have led to disagreements over the treaty’s scope, legal obligations and funding responsibilities, causing delays and slowed progress.
Another important lesson is the lack of comprehensive focus on the full lifecycle of plastics. Previous efforts have often concentrated on waste management and disposal, neglecting upstream production and the environmental impacts of primary plastic production. Without addressing production, the demand for new plastics continues to grow, undermining mitigation efforts. Achieving consensus requires including commitments to reduce production, promote sustainable alternatives and hold producers accountable through reporting mechanisms, economic incentives and voluntary industry commitments.
Applicability has also been a critical factor. Voluntary agreements have generally failed to deliver measurable results because they lack legally binding obligations and monitoring systems. A comprehensive international treaty should establish clear targets for pollution reduction, prevention of pollution discharge and compliance mechanisms. At the same time, flexibility is necessary to accommodate varying national capacities. Differentiated responsibilities allow emerging economies to implement measures gradually while encouraging industrialized nations to take more ambitious action.
Finally, inclusive multi-stakeholder engagement is essential. Governments, private sector actors, international organizations and civil society must collaborate in developing solutions and implementing the treaty. Sharing best practices, providing financial and technical support and maintaining transparency can foster trust, facilitate cooperation and build consensus. By learning from past failures and emphasizing fairness, accountability, and clarity, UN negotiations can move toward an agreement that effectively addresses global plastic pollution. Negotiating a global agreement on synthetic material pollution is complex but essential. By learning from past failures, engaging all stakeholders, addressing the full lifecycle of materials and establishing enforceable yet flexible commitments, the international community can create an effective and balanced agreement. Coordinated global action can mitigate pollution, protect ecosystems and support sustainable development for current and future generations.
Neda Milosavljevic, Highlight 5/2026: Highlight 5/2026: UN Plastic Treaty Negotiations: Causes of Failure and Pathways to Consensus, 10 February 2026, available at www.meig.ch
The views expressed in the MEIG Highlights are personal to the authors and neither reflect the positions of the MEIG Programme nor those of the University of Geneva.