This is part of a collection of the Foundation's statements on each round of negotiations for a UN treaty to end plastic pollution.
The fifth round of negotiations (INC-5.2) continues in Geneva, Switzerland from 5-14 August 2025.
The Nice Call for an Ambitious Treaty on Plastic Pollution
At the United Nations Ocean Conference, on 10 June 2025, the French government shared a statement of ambition supported by 95 governments around the world.
The Nice Wake Up Call ministerial statement called on INC members to seize this historic opportunity for present and future generations when they gather again in Geneva.
The statement builds on momentum seen at the last round of INC talks in Busan, South Korea, highlighting a critical need for a robust legally binding agreement to tackle the entire lifecycle of plastics.
“The Nice statement demonstrates significant ambition in global efforts to end plastic pollution, and reinstates the urgent need to shift to a circular economy.
"By having the statement focus on the entire lifecycle of plastics – from plastic production to products’ end-of-life management – we have a vital opportunity to accelerate the adoption of solutions that can work at scale.
"The inclusion of ‘product design’, amongst the points key to reach an agreement, is especially impactful, alongside products and chemicals, the need to achieve sustainable levels of consumption and production, and the crucial role of robust means of implementation.
"Design is indeed critical to addressing plastic pollution, and it's encouraging to see it rightly recognised by a majority of countries as a key lever for achieving meaningful and lasting impact to end plastic pollution.
We call on governments to agree on a treaty in Geneva that turns the tide on plastic pollution, enables a circular economy and delivers strong positive social and economic impact.”
– Rob Opsomer, Executive Lead on Plastics and Finance, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
