Rwanda has been thrust into the spotlight as a leader in the fight against plastic pollution after receiving a petition signed by nearly three million people worldwide. The petition, handed over during the ongoing Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Busan, calls for a bold and enforceable agreement to address the escalating crisis of plastic waste.
The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5), running from November 25 to December 1, has brought together representatives from 175 nations, environmental advocates, and industry leaders. This final round of talks seeks to establish a legally binding treaty aimed at curbing plastic production, promoting sustainable alternatives, and protecting vulnerable communities affected by plastic waste.
Juliet Kabera, Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), accepted the petition during a side event titled “Delivering a Treaty that Nature Needs.”
“This petition reflects a global consensus that urgent action is needed,” Kabera said. “Rwanda remains committed to pushing for an ambitious treaty that safeguards the planet and ensures a just transition for all stakeholders.”
A Global Crisis in Numbers
The numbers paint a stark picture: every year, the world produces 400 million tonnes of plastic waste, with single-use plastics accounting for half of all production. According to the United Nations, up to five trillion plastic bags are used annually, and one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute.
Packaging alone accounts for 36% of all plastic produced, with 85% of it ending up in landfills or unmanaged waste streams. If current trends continue, global plastic production could surpass 1,100 million tonnes by 2050.
Adding to the urgency, nearly all single-use plastics are derived from fossil fuels, making plastic pollution a double-edged crisis as it also drives climate change.
Rwanda’s Environmental Leadership
Rwanda has long been recognized for its pioneering environmental policies. In 2008, the country banned plastic bags, followed by single-use plastics in 2019. Now, as Co-Chair of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, Rwanda is championing a treaty that addresses the entire life cycle of plastic, from production to disposal.
Rwanda’s proposals include setting global targets for reducing plastic production, creating robust accountability mechanisms, and establishing a dedicated multilateral fund to support developing nations in meeting treaty obligations.
Opposition from Fossil Fuel Producers
However, the negotiations face resistance from fossil-fuel-producing nations, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iran. These countries argue against production cuts and favor demand-side measures like recycling. With plastics seen as a financial lifeline for fossil fuel industries, tensions are high as negotiators work to finalize the treaty.
A Defining Moment
“This treaty is a critical step in protecting humanity and nature,” said Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment. “We urge all nations to unite behind ambitious and enforceable measures that ensure a sustainable future.”
The talks mark the culmination of years of negotiations, with the treaty expected to shape global strategies on plastic waste for decades to come. As the INC-5 session enters its final days, the world is watching closely for a historic breakthrough.
Environmentalists stress that the success of this treaty hinges on bold commitments and swift implementation. As UNEP warns, without systemic change, plastic waste will continue to flood ecosystems, harming wildlife and human health alike.
The world’s ability to confront one of the most pressing environmental crises of our time hangs in the balance.
