Negotiations for a global plastics treaty were suspended early Friday morning in Geneva. Participating states failed to reach consensus on the latest draft text. The differences include some key points of the draft, between countries with high ambition and others with more rigid positions.

Indeed, the ambitious and so-called "like-minded" countries disagreed on key elements of the text. As in previous rounds, the "like-minded" group failed to demonstrate good faith and was unwilling to budge from its entrenched positions. Here, the United States played a highly destructive role by openly aligning itself with the "like-minded" countries, notably Iran, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.

On the occasion, the representative of Ghana, speaking on behalf of the African Group, reiterated the continent's determination to achieve a legally binding treaty to reduce plastic pollution and protect human health and the environment. He also stressed the importance of "adequate, stable, accessible and predictable" multilateral financing to enable African countries to implement the treaty on a large scale and ensure a transition to sustainable production and consumption systems.

"Africa did not start it, but it can end it," the diplomat said, stressing the need for a new round of negotiations to consolidate an "ambitious, inclusive and equitable text," he said.

Civil society calls for strong commitment

In light of this situation, Greenpeace reiterated the importance of overcoming challenges from industrial interests to reach an ambitious agreement. The organization emphasized the need for a strong, legally binding treaty that covers the entire life cycle of plastics and ensures fair funding for the protection of people and the environment.

Africa's position as a key player in building an effective global treaty

While the current text does not fully satisfy all parties, it nevertheless provides a basis for future discussions. Africa, by demonstrating its unity and determination, is positioning itself as a key player in the construction of an effective global treaty, calling on the entire international community to share a commitment to the preservation of the planet and the well-being of future generations.