The International Science Council (ISC) is an international non-profit organization that brings together 250 international scientific unions and associations as well as national and regional scientific organizations, academies and research councils, international federations and societies, and young academies and associations. The ISC has been present at every INC meeting, contributing integrated scientific inputs and expert advice to delegates, despite the lack of a formal platform within the INC process.
With this message we, the President and CEO of the ISC and the members of the 15-member global ISC Expert Group on Plastic Pollution1, express deep regret at the outcome of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2), which failed to deliver on a global treaty to end plastic pollution that meets the mandate of Resolution 5/14 of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA)2. At the same time, we are encouraged by UN Member States’ growing recognition of the extensive and unequivocal body of scientific evidence, showing that urgent, coordinated, and ambitious action is required to address the escalating plastics pollution crisis. We stand ready to support a future agreement that establishes the critical measures needed to safeguard human and environmental health and support the health, economic and social wellbeing of future generations.
Throughout the negotiations, and in line with the mandate established by UNEA Resolution 5/14, the scientific community has been broadly aligned in its recommendations:
While political negotiations at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee did not yield an agreement, it is important to emphasize that the underlying science remains unchanged and continues to demonstrate the impacts of unregulated plastics on health, the environment, and society. Evidence on the scale, pathways, and impacts of plastics pollution continues to grow, and it continues to point toward the need for ambitious and systemic responses at the global, regional, and national levels. Science will not stand still as negotiations falter; rather, it will continue to strengthen our collective understanding of the consequences of inaction and highlight opportunities for solutions.
Constructive engagement by many Member States during negotiations, including recognition of the vital role of best available science in shaping effective policy responses, is acknowledged and welcomed. Such recognition is essential to ensuring that future progress is anchored in evidence, accountability, and a shared commitment to sustainability.
The signatories reaffirm their commitment to supporting this process and stand ready to provide scientific expertise and assistance during the intersessional period. Continued collaboration with delegations, stakeholders, and the broader scientific community will help ensure that decision-makers are equipped with the best available scientific evidence. The objective remains clear: to achieve a lasting, effective, and science-based global agreement that decisively addresses plastic pollution and protects the health of people and the planet.
Governments are urged to maintain momentum, build on the recognition of science already achieved, and return to negotiations with renewed resolve. Science is clear, the need is urgent, and the opportunity to act must not be missed again.
As ISC leadership and experts, we remain committed to ensuring that science guides the world toward an effective and lasting solution to plastic pollution.
Picture by Lucien Wanda on Pexels.
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