Countries Elect New Chair for Global Plastics Treaty Talks Amid Calls for Transparency
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Countries involved in the United Nations negotiations to end plastic pollution have elected Julio Cordano, a Chilean diplomat, as the new Chair of the global plastics treaty talks.
This leadership change comes in response to increasing pressure from civil society for a more transparent and inclusive negotiation process.
Member States made this decision on February 7 during the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.3) held in Geneva. Cordano succeeds Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso of Ecuador, who resigned late last year following widespread criticism regarding the conduct of the talks.
This transition in leadership occurs at a crucial juncture as negotiations progress toward establishing a legally binding treaty to address plastic pollution throughout its entire life cycle—from fossil fuel extraction and plastic production to disposal.
Addressing the Trust Deficit in Negotiations
The previous chairmanship faced heavy criticism from civil society groups due to a lack of transparency and limited meaningful participation by observers. Campaigners accused the process of prioritising consensus over ambitious actions, despite increasing support among many nations for strong measures to reduce plastic production.
With Cordano officially elected, members of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) emphasise the need for him to urgently rebuild trust and steer the process away from excessive industry influence.
African Civil Society Calls for Inclusive Leadership
African environmental advocates stress that the outcome of the negotiations will significantly impact communities already suffering from the effects of plastic pollution.
“Civil society represents the voices of affected communities, provides independent expertise, and brings essential scrutiny for a credible treaty,” stated Robert Kitumaini Chikwanine from SOPRODE in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “The Chair must ensure our access and establish a transparent, inclusive process.”
Plastic pollution poses a growing challenge across Africa, where inadequate waste management systems combined with increasing plastic consumption leave communities to cope with the environmental and health repercussions.
In Ghana, campaigners argue that the leadership during these negotiations will determine whether the treaty brings justice to those living with daily plastic pollution. “For millions of people experiencing the impact of plastic pollution, this leadership will decide whether we secure science, justice, and livelihoods or face continued delays,” said Kwame Ofori from the Ako Foundation in Ghana.
Pressure to Address Plastic at Its Source
Civil society groups urge the new Chair to adhere to the original mandate agreed upon by Member States: to develop a treaty that covers the full life cycle of plastics while prioritising human rights, independent science, and leadership from the Global South.
They contend that without binding measures to reduce plastic production, the treaty may fail to support communities in countries already grappling with pollution, flooding, and public health issues related to plastic waste.
These negotiations are part of a UN initiative launched in 2022 to address global plastic pollution, with countries expected to finalise the treaty text in upcoming sessions.
As discussions progress, observers will be closely watching Cordano’s leadership—particularly in regard to the meaningful inclusion of civil society voices, especially from Africa and other Global South regions, in shaping the final agreement.
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