Sri Lanka’s decision to endorse the initiative reflects the country’s continued commitment to environmental sustainability and aligns closely with its priorities including global production controls, enhanced product design standards, and the promotion of extended producer responsibility (EPR) as a key implementation tool. According to Dr. Amelia Sharma, Senior Fellow at the Center for Global Sustainability, “Sri Lanka’s involvement is particularly noteworthy. The country has historically been vulnerable to plastic pollution impacts, especially regarding coastal ecosystems. Joining this coalition demonstrates a strategic understanding of the global challenges and a willingness to actively participate in shaping a robust international response.”
The INC 5.2 session, scheduled to conclude in November 2025, will be crucial in finalizing the text of the global plastics treaty. Key sticking points are anticipated to remain the level of ambition in reduction targets, the specific mechanisms for financing implementation, and the degree of legally binding obligations placed on countries. “The pace of negotiations is accelerating,” stated Jean-Pierre Dubois, a policy advisor with the French Ministry for Ecological Transition. “The ‘Wake-Up Call’ events are generating significant momentum, pushing governments to move beyond voluntary commitments and towards legally enforceable agreements.”
Recent developments have shown increased pressure from consumer advocacy groups and NGOs, particularly following the release of a damning report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) detailing the pervasive impact of plastic pollution on marine life. This pressure, coupled with the growing recognition of plastic as a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is driving a shift in national policy landscapes globally. Furthermore, the successful implementation of EPR schemes in several European countries is providing a model for Sri Lanka to consider, potentially leveraging international financial mechanisms – a core tenet of the “polluter-pays” principle – to support a transition to a circular plastic economy.
Looking ahead, within the next six months, the INC 5.2 session is expected to produce a draft treaty text. Long-term, a finalized and ratified treaty by 2030 would represent a watershed moment, potentially establishing a framework for legally binding global reductions in plastic production, harmonized standards for plastic recycling, and increased financial assistance for developing nations – like Sri Lanka – to transition to more sustainable practices. However, the treaty’s success hinges on the political will of nations to fully embrace its ambitious targets and deliver on their commitments. The challenge remains to translate this burgeoning global momentum into tangible action, effectively addressing one of the planet’s most pressing environmental issues.