Geneva, Switzerland – Following the election of HE Ambassador Julio Cordano of Chile as the new Chair of the committee tasked with negotiating a global plastics treaty, Greenpeace International said the appointment must mark a turning point for the Global Plastics Treaty talks and the start of a renewed effort to rebuild trust in the process. The election took place today during the third installment of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee’s (INC) fifth meeting (INC5.3).

Graham Forbes, Greenpeace Head of Delegation to the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations and Global Plastics Campaign Lead for Greenpeace USA, said: 

“Ambassador Cordano inherits a treaty negotiation process under strain. We have lost precious time since the negotiations began while the plastics crisis worsens by the day. We urge the new chair to rally world leaders to deliver a strong and effective agreement that puts people and the planet first. No more excuses. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect human health, our climate system and global biodiversity from toxic pollution, and initiate a new era of global innovation.

“Around the world, billionaires and corporate interests are challenging democratic institutions and undermining global cooperation. Effective multilateralism is a necessary condition of human survival. It is time for governments that understand this to step up to the challenge and deliver the Global Plastics Treaty that justice and science demand.”

ENDS

Photos are available in the Greenpeace Media Library.

Contacts:

Angelica Carballo Pago, Global Plastics Communication and Media Lead, Greenpeace USA, [email protected], +63917 1124492

Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]