Highlights and images for 14 August 2025

Negotiations
International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastics Pollution, including in the Marine Environment
2nd Part of the 5th Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Develop an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution, Including in the Marine Environment (INC-5.2)

On what should have been the final day of the resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) to develop an international legally binding instrument (ILBI) on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, delegates spent most of the day in informal meetings trying to hammer out an agreement to end plastic pollution.

Consultations take place behind closed doors throughout the day

States convened in regional consultations, Heads of Delegation, and small groups throughout the day and into the night, working primarily based on a Chair’s Draft Text Proposal tabled on Wednesday, 13 August, in plenary. In parallel, observers convened a number of press events and demonstrations calling for a high ambition treaty, which would cover issues such as plastic production, plastic products, chemicals of concern, and health. They also called for legally binding language on the provision on financial resources.

As delegates wait for plenary to begin, representatives of member states, civil society, rights holders, and scientists hold a media stakeout, saying 'a weak UN treaty fails the world'

As delegates wait for plenary to begin, a media stakeout is held saying 'a weak UN treaty fails the world'

INC Chair Luis Vayas (Ecuador) opened the plenary meeting initially scheduled at 3:00 pm at 11:36 pm. He reported that as consultations were still ongoing, plenary would reconvene on Friday morning, 15 August, at a time to be determined. He adjourned the meeting at 11:37 pm.

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All ENB photos are free to use with attribution. For INC 5.2 please use: Photo by IISD/ENB - Kiara Worth

Closed-Door Consultations

As the negotiations enter their final stage, INC Chair Luis Vayas, Ecuador, holds closed door negotiations with Heads of Delegations

Plenary

Delegates gather for plenary only to have it adjourned moments later

Delegates react to the suspension of plenary

Delegates huddle to try find a way forward

Press Conferences Throughout the Day

A joint Global South press briefing is held, calling for a higher ambition treaty

A press conference is held by the International Alliance of Waste Pickers, urging for the plastics treaty to include a binding commitment to a just transition for waste pickers

Civil Society Actions

As delegates wait for plenary to begin, representatives of member states, civil society, rights holders, and scientists hold a media stakeout, saying 'a weak UN treaty fails the world'