As negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty begin at INC-5.2 in Geneva, the International Alliance of Waste Pickers (IAWP) proudly presents the delegates—waste picker leaders—who will represent grassroots recycling movements from around the world in these critical discussions. But first, some context!
So, What is INC-5.2?
The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) will begin on Monday, August 4, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland. This session is a critical moment in the process of negotiating a legally binding international treaty to end plastic pollution in all environments, including marine ecosystems. Established by United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) Resolution 5/14 in 2022, the INC aims to deliver a treaty that addresses plastic pollution across its entire life cycle—from production and design to disposal and remediation. As a global network representing over 40 million waste pickers and their families, the International Alliance of Waste Pickers (IAWP) views INC-5.2 as a decisive opportunity to secure a treaty that centers justice, equity, and binding protections for the most affected communities.
Over the past three years, the INC process has participated in a series of negotiations in Uruguay, France, Kenya, Canada, and the Republic of Korea. While these meetings advanced technical discussions, they also exposed major divisions between countries—particularly around whether treaty measures should be mandatory or voluntary, how plastic production should be addressed, and how financing mechanisms will work. During INC-5.1, held in Busan in December 2024, the Committee failed to reach agreement on a consolidated treaty text. In response, the Chair of the INC, Luis Vayas of Ecuador, released a new “Chair’s Text” on December 1, 2024, which is now expected to serve as the basis for negotiations at INC-5.2 in Geneva.
IAWP Calls for Binding Commitments to Protect Waste Pickers in the Global Plastics Treaty
The Chair’s Text outlines a draft framework for the Global Plastics Treaty, addressing issues like product design, sustainable production, waste management, and just transition. While it acknowledges the role of informal economy workers, including waste pickers, it relies heavily on voluntary language and lacks binding commitments. The International Alliance of Waste Pickers (IAWP) welcomes the recognition but calls for stronger, mandatory provisions—especially the article 10 provision for a just transition—to ensure the inclusion and protection of waste pickers. In our response to the Chair’s text, we demand clear language referencing the ILO’s Just Transition Guidelines and the inclusion of a formal definition of waste pickers, to guarantee that those most impacted by plastic pollution are not left behind.
Know the IAWP Delegates
- Severino Lima – Brazil
- Maddie Koena – South Africa
- Soledad Mella – Chile
- Kulsum Begum – Bangladesh
- John Chweya – Kenya
- Marica Vazquez – Canada
- Indumathi – India
- Silvio Ruiz – Colombia
- Nohra Padilla (Red Lacre) – Colombia
IAWP Staff
- Kabir Arora – India
- Taylor Cass Talbott – United States
- Nicolás Martinez – Paraguay
- Ashwini Jog – India
For any further details, interviews, or additional information about the IAWP delegation at INC-5.2 or our position on the Global Plastics Treaty, please feel free to contact us directly through nicolas@wastepickersinternational.org. We are available to provide insights, connect you with delegates, or respond to media inquiries.
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