“What is most worrying is that we need to address this environmental crisis urgently,” said Karen Landmark, Managing Director in GRID-Arendal. “Extending negotiations again sends the wrong signal. A treaty will not solve everything overnight. More hard work will come after it is agreed. We cannot afford further delays.”

While there is no treaty yet, the process has already generated greater awareness of the plastic pollution crisis. Many countries are actively taking steps to reduce plastic waste, curb pollution, and develop alternative products and solutions to harmful plastics.“We must have courage and not let a few countries hold back progress,” said Karen Landmark. “Momentum is high – and we believe a strong treaty will ultimately be achieved.”

Right now, there is a great deal of uncertainty about what will happen next. There is no doubt that trust has become a challenge – trust in what it will take to finally secure this agreement. The lack of clarity makes the path forward even more difficult.

“We still believe that the only solution is a global, binding treaty, and we encourage UNEP and all member states to make tangible progress and not lose sight of the urgency. The world is watching, and the need to act has never been greater”.