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At UN negotiations in Nairobi, Kenya’s envoy Ababu Namwamba called for swift progress on a global plastic pollution treaty, citing seven billion tonnes of existing waste and urging that the pact’s secretariat be headquartered at UNEP in Nairobi.
Nairobi, Kenya – At the resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) for a global plastics treaty, Kenya’s Ambassador to UNON and UNEP, Ababu Namwamba, appealed to the international community to accelerate negotiations and finalize a robust, legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution. Speaking during proceedings in Nairobi, he warned that plastic waste has spiraled out of control, citing an estimated 7 billion tonnescurrently contaminating ecosystems and 430 million tonnes produced annually with inadequate recycling mechanisms.
Urgency Over Progress: Namwamba stressed, “We are not closer to an agreement while plastic pollution is not waiting—it is getting out of control,” urging delegates to strike a deal within the remaining days of INC‑5.2.
Treaty’s Potential Impact: He emphasized the treaty could restore ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, and reduce public health risks globally.
Secretariat Location Push: Backed by the Africa Group, Kenya proposed that the treaty’s secretariat be housed at UNEP’s headquarters in Nairobi to improve policy coherence and streamline environmental governance. He lamented this recommendation had been omitted from the latest draft under Article 21.
Accompanying Ambassador Namwamba were key figures including:
Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador James Waweru
Environment Secretary, Dr. Selly Kimosop
Director for Multilateral Environmental Agreements, Linda Kosgei
They collectively reaffirmed Kenya’s constructive role in the climate diplomacy arena and the pressing need for a binding treaty.
The INC process began in 2022, with Nairobi hosting the third session (INC‑3) in November 2023. The current resumed fifth session (INC‑5.2) is taking place from August 5 to 14, 2025, in Geneva, with a view to finalizing the treaty’s text.
Despite wide participation and commitment, negotiations have been sluggish, with critical components—like institutional location, lifecycle regulation, and financing—still unresolved.
Issue |
Detail |
---|---|
Urgency Raised |
Kenya warns time is running out amid escalating plastic pollution |
Secretariat Location |
Kenya, backed by Africa Group, proposes Nairobi hosting TAC secretariat |
Key Delegation |
Namwamba, Waweru, Dr. Kimosop, Linda Kosgei active in negotiations |
Negotiation Status |
Treaty still open with key unresolved elements, ongoing in Geneva |
Strategic Significance |
Kenya positions itself as a leader in global environmental diplomacy |
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