In Geneva, Switzerland, talks aimed at forging an international treaty to curb plastic pollution have failed. The United States was among a minority of oil-producing nations opposed to a more ambitious treaty. Representatives from about 100 countries had sought to put limits on plastic production and the use of toxic chemicals. This is Samoa’s representative to the talks.

Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago: “We must also join others in conveying our disappointment with the progress we have achieved over the last 10 days. Samoa is of the view that the urgency of this work cannot be overstated.”

It was the sixth time in just three years that negotiations for a global plastics treaty have failed to reach an agreement.