New Zealand Joins Ongoing Global Negotiations on Treaty to Tackle Plastic Waste

New Zealand took part in the fifth round of negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, from 4–15 August, advocating for a treaty based on waste hierarchy principles, with emphasis on preventing plastic waste at the source. The process began in March 2022 when 193 UN member states endorsed a landmark decision to create a global plastics treaty, leading to the establishment of an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee. Although the goal of adopting the treaty during this round was not achieved, discussions highlighted a strong collective commitment to continue. Member states reaffirmed the importance of addressing plastic pollution and agreed to extend the negotiations, with future sessions planned but not yet scheduled, keeping momentum toward finalizing the treaty.