The global plastic treaty looks forward to the next plastic treaty negotiation because it is of crucial significance for global plastic pollution control. Specifically, the negotiation of the Global Plastic Treaty began with a resolution passed by the United Nations Environment Assembly in 2022, with the goal of developing a legally binding international agreement to curb plastic pollution. The original plan was to complete the negotiations at the Busan Conference in December 2024, but there were serious differences among countries on key issues, resulting in the failure to reach an agreement. Finally, it was decided to hold the second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) from August 5 to 14, 2025, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, to continue negotiations on the treaty. Importance: At the Busan conference, there were serious differences among countries on key issues such as whether to restrict plastic production, regulatory measures for hazardous chemicals, and financing mechanisms for treaty implementation, leading to a deadlock in negotiations. The Geneva Conference is seen as a crucial opportunity to reverse the deadlock, and all parties expect negotiators to find a balance point on core issues, formulate legally binding treaties, and inject strong impetus into addressing the urgent environmental challenge of global plastic pollution. If countries can bridge their differences at the Geneva Conference, it will directly determine the future direction of global plastic pollution control and also affect humanity's confidence and ability to address global challenges.
