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Plastic Pollution

• The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on plastic pollution concluded without an agreement.
• Despite progress, divergent views necessitate more time to refine the treaty's framework.
• The delegates agreed on a "Chair's Text" to serve as the basis for future negotiations in 2025.
• Despite challenges, the world's commitment to ending plastic pollution remains strong, with hopes for a breakthrough in the next session.

The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) on plastic pollution, which was held in Busan, South Korea, concluded without an agreement. The session, which began on November 25, 2024, saw the participation of over 3,300 delegates, including representatives from more than 170 nations and over 440 observer organizations. Despite intense discussions, the delegates recognized the need for more time to address divergent views and refine the treaty's framework.

The INC-5 was a continuation of 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. The committee is expected to request the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to inform delegations of the venue for the resumed fifth session.

Progress and Challenges in Busan

The negotiations were centered around two documents by the INC Chair, Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso. On the closing day, the delegates agreed on a Chair's Text prepared by the INC Chair, which will serve as the basis for future negotiations. The Chair's Text will be the starting point for negotiations at a resumed session in 2025.

Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, acknowledged the progress made while emphasizing the challenges that remain. She stated, 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. She highlighted that good progress was made in Busan, adding however that persisting divergence remains in key areas.

The Road Ahead

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. Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the INC Secretariat, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, We have tested the resilience of this planet to its limit, now is the time for us to push our own limits and honour the trust placed in us -- we have no choice but to succeed.

The negotiations were not without controversy. Some delegates, particularly from small island states that are especially vulnerable to ocean plastic, expressed frustration. Panama's delegation head warned that the UN's usual consensus process could be abandoned for a vote if progress stalled further. There were also concerns about the lack of transparency in the process and the influence of corporate lobbyists.

Despite the lack of a final agreement, the INC-5 has set the stage for further discussions and negotiations. The world's commitment to ending plastic pollution remains strong, and the delegates are determined to continue their efforts to reach a consensus on a global legally binding treaty. The next round of talks presents an opportunity to finally make that a reality, an opportunity that, as Inger Andersen stated, we cannot afford to miss. The world now looks forward to the resumed session in 2025, hoping for a breakthrough in the fight against plastic pollution.