Countries negotiating an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, adjourned their fifth session earlier this week leaving an agreement unpredictable. They agreed on a ‘Chair’s Text’ that will serve as the starting point for negotiations at a resumed session in 2025.
Over 3,300 delegates including Members representing more than 170 nations and Observers from more than 440 organizations have been meeting in Busan, Republic of Korea, since 25 November for the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5). Throughout the week, Members negotiated two documents by the INC Chair, Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso, before agreeing on the closing day to transmit the Chair’s Text to the resumed session.
“Our mandate has always been ambitious. But ambition takes time to land. We have many of the elements that we need, and Busan has put us firmly on a pathway to success,” said Ambassador Vayas. “I call on all delegations to continue making paths, building bridges, and engaging in dialogue.”
Ambassador Vaysa emphasized the need for parties and negotiators to remember that their purpose is noble and urgent: to reverse and remedy the severe effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems and human health.
According to Inger Andersen Executive Director of UNEP pointed out that the week’s meeting had made good progress towards securing the deal the world demands. Revealing that through the Busan talks, negotiators had reached a greater degree of convergence on the structure and elements of the treaty text, as well as a better understanding of country positions and shared challenges but, it is clear there is persisting divergence in critical areas, and more time is needed to address these areas.
“The world’s commitment to ending plastic pollution is clear and undeniable. Here in Busan, talks have moved us closer to agreeing on a global legally binding treaty that will protect our health, our environment, and our future from the onslaught of plastic pollution,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
“At UNEA 5.2, the world promised to tackle plastic pollution. Now, at the next round of talks, the world will have the opportunity to finally make that a reality. An opportunity we cannot afford to miss,” she added.
Following INC-5, the Committee is expected to request the Executive Director of UNEP to inform delegations of the venue for the resumed fifth session.
In March 2022, at the resumed fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), a historic resolution was adopted to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The instrument, according to the resolution, is to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal.
“We have tested the resilience of this planet to its limit, now is the time for us to push our limits and honour the trust placed in us – we have no choice but to succeed. You have the INC Secretariat’s and my unwavering support to get this done,” said Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the INC Secretariat.
INC-5 follows four earlier rounds of negotiations: INC-1, which took place in Punta del Este, in November 2022, INC-2, which was held in Paris in June 2023, INC-3, which happened in Nairobi in November 2023, and INC-4, held in Ottawa in April 2024.
