Fiji demands strong global treaty to end plastic pollution at Geneva talks

Fiji is taking a hard line at the final round of global negotiations in Geneva, pushing for a historic, legally binding treaty that tackles plastic pollution at its source — not just its aftermath.

For Pacific nations on the frontlines of climate and ocean crises, the stakes could not be higher.

Fiji is calling for an ambitious agreement that addresses plastic pollution across its entire lifecycle, from production to disposal, backed by fair and effective financing to protect people, livelihoods, and ecosystems.

The country wants the treaty to go far beyond clean-up efforts, advocating for robust rules to slash new plastic production, eliminate hazardous chemicals in manufacturing, and mandate transparent reporting by all nations.

While some countries want the agreement to focus mainly on waste management and recycling, Fiji is part of a 100-nation coalition demanding “upstream” measures, warning that without cutting plastic production, the crisis cannot be solved.

The urgency is clear for island nations.

Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr Sivendra Michael with the team from the Ministry.

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The constant tide of plastic waste threatens Fiji’s tourism and fisheries sectors, damages fragile marine ecosystems, and strains limited waste management systems. Most of this pollution originates from larger industrialized countries, but small island developing states (SIDS) are left to bear the cost.

"We are not here for half-measures," said Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change.

"We have consistently called for the inclusion and establishment of clear, legally binding obligations to phase out the most harmful plastic products and chemicals of concern — and it must do so on a timeline that matches the scale of this crisis.

Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr Sivendra Michael.

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"Anything less is a betrayal of the world’s most vulnerable. For SIDS and LDCs, our special circumstances are not negotiable. We refuse to accept a treaty that leaves our people, our oceans, and our future at the mercy of unchecked plastic production."

Negotiations are ongoing, but Fiji and its Pacific allies say they will not back down until the treaty delivers real protection for the planet’s most vulnerable communities.