Hassan Abbaszadeh, also managing director of the National
Petrochemical Company, made the remarks while representing Iran at high-level
ministerial discussions on the sidelines of the second part of the fifth
session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC5.2) in Geneva.
The Geneva talks are aimed at drafting a legally binding
United Nations treaty to tackle plastic pollution, mandated by resolution 5.14
of the UN Environment Assembly. Delegations from Iran’s foreign ministry,
environment department, presidential legal office, industry ministry,
petrochemical sector and polymer industry association also attended.
Abbaszadeh called the negotiations “a vital opportunity to
create a fair framework to address the transboundary impacts of plastic
pollution, particularly on marine ecosystems and human health.” He said the
final instrument should focus on plastics at the end of their lifecycle, which
are the main cause of environmental pollution.
He also stressed the principle of “common but differentiated
responsibilities” (CBDR), arguing that developed countries bear a
disproportionate responsibility for plastic pollution. “The agreement must
reflect the differing contributions and capacities of each nation,” he said.
Abbaszadeh added that Iran was committed to “active and
constructive cooperation” to reduce plastic waste while safeguarding industrial
development and livelihoods. He said the outcome should be science-based,
balanced and effective in addressing pollution without obstructing sustainable
development or technological progress.
At the same meeting, Abbaszadeh drew attention to what he
described as “illegal aggression” by Israel and the United States against
Iranian civilians, infrastructure and scientists, calling such actions “a
serious threat to the environment, public health and regional stability.” He
urged the international community to treat this as an urgent humanitarian and
environmental concern.