Global Negotiations on Plastic Pollution Enhanced by Eye-Catching Sculpture

As negotiations for a global agreement to combat plastic pollution entered their second week on Monday, artist Benjamin Von Wong created a striking installation made from plastic waste outside the United Nations office. Delegates who pass by the sculpture daily are reminded of their duty to address the pressing issue of plastic pollution, with the talks expected to conclude by Thursday.

The sculpture, titled "The Thinker’s Burden," stands nearly six meters tall and was crafted by Von Wong in partnership with a team. Inspired by Auguste Rodin's classic work, this version reinterprets the figure of a man in contemplation by positioning him atop Mother Earth while holding a baby and plastic bottles, with a strand of DNA entwining them to emphasize the health hazards linked to plastic waste. Over the course of the negotiations, Von Wong is adding more plastic to the artwork to symbolize the escalating effects of inaction on this crisis.

Maria Ivanova, an environmental governance expert, emphasized the power of art to provoke emotional responses that can drive policy change. Observers, including delegates and visitors, have engaged with Von Wong about the meaning behind his artwork. Michael Bonser, the head of the Canadian delegation, praised the piece as a profound reminder of the objectives they must pursue during the negotiations to effect real change.

With approximately 3,700 participants representing 184 countries engaged in these discussions, the focus is on creating the first legally binding treaty addressing plastic pollution. However, many delegates share concerns about the slow progress, as the number of unresolved issues has increased rather than decreased. European Commissioner Jessika Roswall expressed urgency for tangible outcomes, while UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen maintained that a resolution could still be achieved by the end of the week, highlighting the continued opportunity to forge a treaty that ultimately addresses the plastic pollution crisis.