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Throughout the sessions, negotiators engaged in multiple rounds of intense discussions and consultations. The Chair of the negotiating committee released a final draft text, which encapsulated the collective efforts and compromises of participants. This document, a preliminary reflection of diverse perspectives and interests, was intended to serve as a critical stepping stone toward resolving plastic pollution. It was meant to establish a clear legal framework and actionable guidelines for global plastic pollution governance. Yet, the lack of agreement on core issues—such as plastic production limits, regulatory lists for plastic products, and financing mechanisms—halted further progress. ?  During the conference, representatives of All-China Environment Federation（ACEF）actively tracked the negotiation process and organized/co-organized multiple side events, highlighting China’s grassroots experiences and innovative approaches to plastic pollution governance. One notable event was the China Civil Society Organizations Dialogue, jointly hosted by ACEF, Shenzhen Zero Waste Environmental Protection Public Welfare Development Center (Shenzhen Zero Waste), Circular Intelligence, the Green Plastic Recycling Supply Chain Joint Working Group (GRPG), and WWF Beijing Office at the China Garden in Geneva. The event brought together stakeholders from China and abroad—including industry players, academics, and NGOs—to share cutting-edge practices and explore collaborative solutions for plastic pollution. It aimed to inject new ideas into global governance efforts and support the negotiation process. Officials from China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, including Wen Xuefeng, Deputy Director of the Department of Solid Waste and Chemical Management (and Deputy Head of the Chinese Delegation), attended the event and participated in discussions.   Photos of the event showed participants engaging in lively exchanges, underscoring the shared commitment to tackling plastic pollution. ACEF representatives also visited WWF’s global headquarters in Geneva, where WWF Eurasia Program Director Jean-Paul Paddack briefed them on the organization’s history, 2030 strategic plan, and ongoing plastic pollution initiatives. ACEF representatives shared their work on plastic pollution control, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation, presenting WWF with souvenir products made from recycled plastics. The visit strengthened bilateral cooperation and facilitated knowledge-sharing on plastic pollution solutions. ?   Although INC-5.2 did not achieve its goal of finalizing a plastic treaty within the UNEP-mandated timeframe, it served as a stark reminder of the complexity and urgency of plastic pollution governance. As a global challenge, plastic pollution intersects with economic development, environmental protection, and social equity, requiring countries to transcend narrow self-interests and strengthen collaboration. Moving forward, ACEF and other Chinese civil society organizations will continue to engage with international stakeholders—including governments, NGOs, and international bodies—to bridge divides, build consensus, and advance the development of a legally binding international instrument. The fight against plastic pollution is a long-term endeavor, and sustained dialogue and cooperation are essential to achieving tangible results. |
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