Mister Chair,

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am speaking on behalf of the European Union. 

Thank you to the organizers for organising this year’s commemoration of World Environment Day. We fully support the commemoration. 

We also strongly support the theme of ‘Ending global plastic pollution’. There is a need for bold steps to address the plastic pollution crisis that affects every corner of our planet. The EU therefore remains strongly committed towards an ambitious global treaty on plastics. To achieve the change we seek, it is essential that we unify not only in ambition but also in understanding and cooperation. We must recognize and value the varied challenges and circumstances different nations face. In this spirit, the EU urges all states to approach the upcoming negotiations in Geneva with flexibility, creativity, and a willingness to engage in dialogue so that we can jointly find a way forward and conclude these crucial negotiations at INC-5.2.

I thank you.