Countries failed to reach an agreement on an international treaty to curb plastic pollution at a UN conference held in Busan. 

At the last session of the fifth UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee meeting on Sunday, committee chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso said the participants need more time to effectively address a few critical issues.

Valdivieso said while it is encouraging that portions of the text have been agreed upon, a few critical issues still prevent the countries from reaching a comprehensive agreement. 

The most divisive issues included capping plastic production, managing plastic products and chemicals of concern, and financing to help developing countries implement the treaty.

Representatives of more than 100 nations gathered in the city for negotiations to produce a landmark accord after two years of discussions, but they could agree only to postpone key decisions and resume talks at a later date.