Sure! Here’s the translation to American English:
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The international effort to establish a binding treaty to combat the growing pollution from plastics has encountered serious obstacles during negotiations in Geneva. After ten days of intense discussions, the gathered States decided to postpone the talks to a future date, without reaching a definitive consensus.
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, highlighted the complexity of the current context, characterized by geopolitical tensions and economic challenges. Despite the difficulties, she emphasized that all participating countries are committed to continuing this essential dialogue, although significant differences in their approaches to the issue remain.
Andersen also mentioned that, although the expected agreement was not achieved this time, the UNEP will remain active in the fight against pollution, which affects various ecosystems and, alarmingly, is also present in the human body. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, expressed his dissatisfaction at the lack of consensus, while valuing the commitment of Member States to move forward with the process.
The meeting attracted more than 2,600 participants, including approximately 1,400 delegates from 183 countries and nearly 1,000 observers. This diverse forum allowed the voices of civil society to be heard, with activists from various sectors, including indigenous communities, recyclers, and scientists, making their demands known through protests and artistic events both inside and outside the Palais des Nations.
The main goal of the negotiations was to draft a text for a binding instrument addressing plastic pollution and highlighting issues that require further discussion before the next diplomatic conference. Contact groups were formed to discuss essential topics such as plastic design, concerns about chemicals, limits on production, and mechanisms for financing and enforcement.
Despite the frustration arising from the lack of agreement, Luis Vayas Valdivieso, the Committee Chair, urged participants not to be discouraged but to renew their efforts and commitments. He expressed hope that, in the future, the international community will unite in the protection of the environment and public health.
Negotiations on this issue began in March 2022, following the adoption of a UN Assembly resolution aimed at developing an international instrument to combat plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The Executive Secretary of the Committee, Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, concluded the session by calling for progress and a renewed commitment in facing the challenges ahead.
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Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
