On Saturday, February 7, 2026, UN member states elected Julio Cordano of Chile as the next Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution chair.
He replaces Luis Vayas Valdivieso (Ecuador) and officially started his role same day. His first order of business will be resuming the plastic treaty negotiations, which came to a halt last year.
The election took place on Saturday during the third installment of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee’s (INC) fifth meeting (INC5.3).
Graham Forbes, Greenpeace Head of Delegation to the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations and Global Plastics Campaign Lead for Greenpeace USA, said: “Ambassador Cordano inherits a treaty negotiation process under strain. We have lost precious time since the negotiations began while the plastics crisis worsens by the day.
“We urge the new chair to rally world leaders to deliver a strong and effective agreement that puts people and the planet first. No more excuses. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect human health, our climate system and global biodiversity from toxic pollution, and initiate a new era of global innovation.
“Around the world, billionaires and corporate interests are challenging democratic institutions and undermining global cooperation. Effective multilateralism is a necessary condition of human survival. It is time for governments that understand this to step up to the challenge and deliver the Global Plastics Treaty that justice and science demand.”
Similarly, Nicholas Mallos, vice president of Ocean Conservancy’s Ending Ocean Plastics programme, responded: “We are encouraged by the election of the newest UN plastics treaty chair, an essential step toward reviving the stalled international plastic treaty negotiations. Now, we can get back to work on delivering an ambitious agreement that addresses plastic pollution in all its forms–from its fossil fuel origins to marine litter.
“A strong plastics treaty must include meaningful reductions in plastic production, especially of single-use plastics; efforts to address abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear – known as ghost gear – that traps and kills wildlife; and a robust funding mechanism to ensure the treaty can be carried out, especially supporting the countries most impacted by plastic pollution.”
Observers believe that Cordano’s election as the new Chair of the committee tasked with negotiating a global plastics treaty marks a significant step in the Global Plastics Treaty talks. His appointment is seen as a crucial opportunity to rebuild trust in the treaty negotiation process, which has faced challenges and delays.
Cordano’s leadership is expected to rally world leaders to deliver a strong and effective agreement that prioritises human health, the climate system, and global biodiversity from toxic pollution.
The new Chair will also face the challenge of navigating difficult divisions and addressing critical issues such as the scope of the treaty, funding, and measures of combat plastic pollution.