UNEA-5.2 achieved landmark results such as the adoption of a resolution to ‘End plastic pollution: Towards an international legally binding instrument’ and the resolution to establish a science-policy panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution. Overall, 14 resolutions, one decision, and a ministerial declaration were adopted, as well as a political declaration commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

In his opening statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States at the Resumed Session of the 5th United Nations Environment Assembly, Commissioner Sinkevičius said addressing plastic pollution is very high on our agenda.

Plastic pollution is a global concern, which no nation can solve on its own. The preparatory efforts of many years, under the UNEA umbrella, are entering the final phase, and the UN Member States are converging in support of a new global agreement to combat plastic pollution. We have the responsibility to seize the opportunity to make a breakthrough in the fight against plastic pollution, and to formally launch negotiations on a legally binding Global Agreement on Plastics.

The Commissioner also said that UNEA was the right place and time to finally agree on a multilateral definition of nature-based solutions and that such an agreement would be a milestone not only for UNEA-5.2, but also far beyond. It would be a crucial step to end the misuse of these actions, which have tremendous potential for climate and biodiversity action, if rightfully implemented.

Addressing the issue of a stronger Science-Policy Interface at UNEA-5.2, the Commissioner said that the EU was looking forward to a new Science-Policy Panel to address chemicals, waste and pollution. It should be established without delay. ‘That panel would fill an important gap, supplying a level of support equivalent to the IPCC, IP-BES and the IRP’, he said. ‘It would give us the knowledge we need to fully address the pollution agenda and the sound management of chemicals and waste.’

Commenting on the UNEA’s decision to launch negotiations on a legally binding global agreement to combat plastic pollution, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans said:

It is encouraging to see the global community come together at this time of crisis. Ever since the European plastics strategy was presented in 2018, the European Union has been a driving force to tackle plastic pollution. We are determined to keep pushing for ambitious global action, as the fight against the climate and biodiversity crises must involve all of us.

According to the mandate given to the intergovernmental negotiating committee (INC), the aim of the treaty will be to close the gaps that existing initiatives and agreements do not address, especially at the design and production phases of the plastics life cycle. As outlined in the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan, the EU has emphasised the need for a circular, life-cycle approach to plastics as a basis for a new legally binding global agreement. The solution lies in prevention, proper design and production of plastics, and their resource-efficient use, followed by sound management when it becomes waste.

Commissioner Sinkevičius advocated this approach as a global priority in Nairobi. The EU and its Member States believe that a global instrument needs to promote action at the national, regional and global levels and in particular enable countries to adopt implementation policies according to national specific circumstances, while applying a circular approach to plastics. The future agreement could further identify the need for standards as well as measurable goals, and strengthen monitoring of plastic pollution, including marine plastic pollution, and assessment of their impacts in all environmental compartments. This would enable the adjustment of measures, both at the national and regional levels.

The decision mandates the holding of the first session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in the second semester of 2022 and establishes the ambition to conclude negotiations by 2024. The EU will continue to work with its allies and other partners aiming at a rapid conclusion of the negotiations.

Resolutions adopted at UNEA-5.2 concerned, inter alia:

• enhancing circular economy as a contribution to achieving sustainable consumption and production (UNEP/EA.5/L.17);
• the environmental dimension of a sustainable, resilient and inclusive post COVID-19 recovery (UNEP/EA.5/L.16);
• environmental aspects of minerals and metals management (UNEP/EA.5/L.18);
• sustainable and resilient infrastructure (UNEP/EA5/L.15);
• sustainable nitrogen management (UNEP/EA.5/L.12/Rev.1);
• sound management of chemicals and waste (UNEP/EA.5/L.13);
• establishment of a science-policy panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution (UNEP/EA.5/L.14);
• nature-based solutions for supporting sustainable development (UNEP/EA.5/L.9).

On 2 March 2022 the ministerial segment adopted the Ministerial Declaration in which the Ministers of Environment recognise the need for transformative and systemic changes, and for policies that address the environmental, economic and social challenges simultaneously.

Read more:

• EC Press Release 28 Feb 2022: Commissioner Sinkevičius Opening Speech
• EC Press Release 2 March 2022: Landmark Global Agreement of Plastic Pollution
• IISD Summary of UNEA-5.2
• Resumed Session of UNEA 5 (official website of UNEA 5 with outcome documents)