Global Negotiators Meet in Nairobi to Discuss Landmark Plastic Pollution Treaty

Coalitions Led by Norway, Rwanda, and Saudi Arabia Advocate for Different Approaches to Tackle Plastic Pollution

Global negotiators are in Nairobi to discuss the draft language for the first international, legally binding treaty on plastic pollution on land and at sea.
The treaty is being developed by the U.N. Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution, with the aim of completing negotiations by the end of next year.
Norway and Rwanda are leading a coalition of governments that want to end plastic pollution by 2040 by cutting production and limiting some chemicals used in making plastics.
Saudi Arabia is leading a group of countries that have large petroleum industries and prefer to focus on recycling and waste management.
The U.S. delegation is suggesting the treaty include some meaningful universal obligations, while also recognizing some national discretion.