Delegates from over 170 nations have wrapped up the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in Busan, South Korea, with a significant step forward in the global fight against plastic pollution. The committee reached an agreement on a “Chair’s Text” that will form the foundation for future negotiations. This aims for a legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution.
Over 3,300 delegates gathered for this critical session from November 25 to December 2, 2024. They included representatives from more than 170 countries and 440 organizations. Under the guidance of INC Chair Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso, two draft documents were negotiated and refined. The Chair’s Text is set for further discussion at the resumed session in 2025.
A HISTORIC STEP TOWARD A GLOBAL TREATY ON PLASTIC POLLUTION
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), emphasized the importance of the progress made during this session. “The world’s commitment to ending plastic pollution is clear and undeniable,” Andersen stated. “The talks in Busan have moved us closer to a global treaty. This treaty will protect our health, environment, and future from plastic pollution.”
Despite significant progress, some divergences remain on key issues, indicating that further negotiations will be required. Andersen noted, “The Busan talks have helped us understand country positions and shared challenges. Yet, critical areas still need to be addressed. Only then can the final agreement be reached.”
KEY ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN PLASTIC POLLUTION TALKS
The negotiations in Busan have brought negotiators closer to aligning on the structure and elements of the treaty. Yet, critical areas still pose challenges. Disagreements exist on how to address the entire life cycle of plastic, from production to disposal. Ensuring equitable solutions for all nations is also a concern. This is especially true for developing countries facing unique challenges.
Ambassador Vayas, who chaired the negotiations, reflected on the difficulty but urgency of the task. “Our mandate has always been ambitious. But ambition takes time to land. Busan has firmly put us on the path to success,” he said. Vayas urged delegations to build bridges and engage in dialogue. He emphasized the noble and urgent purpose of the negotiations: to reverse the harmful effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems. This is crucial for protecting human health.
THE ROAD AHEAD: KEY MILESTONES IN THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS
The negotiations for a global treaty on plastic pollution are set to resume in 2025. At that time, delegations will further refine the draft text. The process, which began in earnest in March 2022 with a historic resolution at the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), has moved through several rounds, including INC-1 in Punta del Este (November 2022), INC-2 in Paris (June 2023), INC-3 in Nairobi (November 2023), and INC-4 in Ottawa (April 2024).
Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the INC Secretariat, reaffirmed the commitment to succeed in this critical mission: “We have tested the resilience of this planet to its limit. Now is the time to push our own limits and honor the trust placed in us. We have no choice but to succeed.”
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: A GLOBAL EFFORT TO COMBAT PLASTIC POLLUTION
As the world continues to grapple with the effects of plastic pollution, the INC-5 negotiations signify a crucial turning point in the global effort to tackle the crisis. If successful, the treaty will address the entire life cycle of plastic. It will offer a comprehensive solution to one of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.
The next round of talks will focus on bridging gaps and also refine the treaty text. Furthermore, it will make sure that all countries can contribute to and benefit from a global solution. The goal remains clear: to create a legally binding framework. This framework will reduce plastic pollution, protect ecosystems, and safeguard the health of future generations.
