Corporate presence at the INC-5.2 negotiations in Geneva raises concerns about the integrity of the final treaty text.
GENEVA (AN) — The final session of negotiations for a global plastics treaty is marked by an unprecedented presence of fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists.
At least 234 lobbyists from these industries registered for the INC-5.2 talks, according to a new analysis by the Center for International Environmental Law and its coalition partners that raises concerns about corporate influence over the landmark environmental accord.
The U.N.-brokered treaty is close to becoming law, with 52 countries signed on and eight more needed to make it official.
Leaders argue any successful treaty must be built on partnership with and respect for Indigenous communities.
The U.N.-hosted talks failed to overcome opposition to reducing plastic production among oil and gas producers.
The latest draft text omitted any legally-binding production limits and a dedicated section on chemicals of concern.
The twin moves reflect an attempt to navigate intense competition between the U.S., China, and the E.U.
A vessel chartered by humanitarian groups had 87 rescued people on board when a Libyan patrol boat approached.
The attack drew global condemnation from the United Nations, Reporters Without Borders, and other organizations.
Critics say the digital transformation is happening faster than governance can keep up, putting sensitive aid data at risk.
