Opening press conference - Resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2)

Speech from Katrin Schneeberger, Director of the Federal Office for the Environment, 5 August 2025, 13:15-14:00, Press Conference Room, Palais des Nations, Geneva

Dear media representatives,

It is a great pleasure for Switzerland to host these pivotal negotiations aimed at finalizing a treaty to end plastic pollution.

Today, we stand at a critical crossroads. Plastic waste is choking our lakes, harming wildlife, and threatening human health. This is more than just an environmental issue — it is a global challenge that demands urgent and collective action.

Reaching a global agreement to end plastic pollution is essential.

Over the coming days, we have an opportunity to make a real difference — by negotiating an effective Plastics Treaty and identifying comprehensive solutions and measures that address the full life cycle of plastic.

We are aware that much work lies ahead. At the same time, we see a strong political will to find common ground.

Let me also clarify an important point: contrary to some media reports, there is no call for a production cap. Clarifying this in informal meetings was an important message to producing countries. Reaching a shared understanding that measures are needed on both the production and consumption sides can help unlock the negotiations.

Another helpful element will be to better explain the economic opportunities of an effective treaty. Well-designed measures can enhance the circular economy, foster innovation and research, and stimulate investments — especially from the private sector — in alternative products and sustainable systems.

As a representative of Switzerland, it is an honor to welcome this final round of negotiations in Geneva. We believe that a successful INC-5.2 will be critical in mitigating the environmental, social, and economic threats posed by plastic pollution. It will also send a strong signal in support of multilateralism.

In this context, Geneva’s expertise and existing institutional infrastructure are highly relevant. Geneva is a global hub for environmental governance, particularly in the field of pollution. It is a city that embodies dialogue, cooperation, and a deep commitment to multilateralism. The Palais des Nations, where we meet today, stands as a symbol of that commitment — a place where governments and stakeholders come together to find common solutions.

The goal is clear: to end plastic pollution. This is not merely an ambitious aspiration — it is a necessity. The time to act is now. We all acknowledge there is far too much plastic pollution in the world. Let’s not waste this opportunity to make meaningful and effective progress.

Thank you.