Global negotiations aimed at addressing the plastic pollution crisis reached a critical juncture as the fifth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) concluded without an agreement. While the talks stalled, the commitment to an ambitious treaty remains strong, fueled by civil society and the majority of countries calling for decisive action.
Nipe Fagio, a Tanzanian leader in environmental advocacy and a proud member of both Break Free from Plastic and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), is at the forefront of this movement, ensuring East Africa’s voice is heard in the global fight for systemic change. As the world grapples with the plastic pollution crisis, we stand as a beacon of change from Tanzania, representing East Africa in the global fight against plastic pollution.
As time ran out in Busan, the Chair of the INC and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) announced a continuation of the talks in a special session (INC 5.2). The draft treaty text keeps critical provisions, such as plastic production reductions, on the table. However, the concessions made to petrochemical interests threaten to dilute the treaty’s ambition, risking the health of people and the planet.
Despite these challenges, civil society and an overwhelming majority of nations stood firm in their resolve with bold hope “Hold the line”. Countries, including Rwanda speaking for over 85 nations, presented a unified front, calling for legally binding measures that include reduction targets, the phase-out of harmful chemicals, and equitable financial mechanisms. This solidarity highlights a growing momentum toward meaningful change. This unity mirrors the collective efforts of civil society, which has long championed a legally binding treaty to address plastic pollution across its lifecycle.
Tanzania, through Nipe Fagio, has been a steadfast advocate in these efforts. We actively collaborate with governments, grassroots communities, and international networks to ensure that the voices of East African stakeholders are heard. “We represent a region disproportionately affected by plastic pollution,” stated Ana Rocha, Nipe Fagio Executive Director.
By aligning with international coalitions such as Break Free from Plastic and GAIA, Nipe Fagio amplifies the demands of African nations and ensures that frontline communities, waste pickers, and grassroots organizations have representation in these crucial negotiations. As part of this collective effort, the coalition champions plastic production cuts to mitigate pollution at the source, a just transition to empower communities reliant on plastic-related industries and equitable financing mechanisms to support implementation in developing nations, including Tanzania.
The INC process has faced significant criticism for its lack of transparency and inclusion. Indigenous Peoples, waste pickers, and other key stakeholders were excluded from critical discussions, while fossil fuel lobbyists influenced the negotiations disproportionately. Despite these setbacks, civil society groups remain unwavering in their commitment to holding decision-makers accountable.
As INC-5 ended, countries like Panama and Rwanda called for bold measures to address the plastics crisis comprehensively. Observers celebrated the growing support for an ambitious treaty that tackles the lifecycle of plastics, from production to disposal. This momentum, driven by voices from the Global South, underscores the power of collective action.
The journey toward a plastics treaty is far from over. The extended negotiations offer a critical opportunity to reset and refocus. For Tanzania and other nations advocating for ambition, the next steps are clear: ensure the treaty includes enforceable commitments to reduce plastic production, support non-plastic reuse systems, and provide equitable financial mechanisms for implementation. As the world looks to INC 5.2, Tanzania and Nipe Fagio will continue to champion the principles of equity, transparency, and justice, ensuring that the final treaty reflects the needs of all—not just the few. This is more than a fight against plastic pollution; it is a fight for our collective future.
