Negotiations Concerning Global Treaty to Combat Plastic Pollution Conclude Without Consensus
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Busan, Dec 2 (NationPress) Countries engaged in talks regarding a global legally binding agreement to address plastic pollution, particularly in marine settings, wrapped up their fifth session early on Monday. They reached an understanding on a 'Chair's Text', which will serve as the basis for future discussions at a resumed session scheduled for 2025.
More than 3,300 participants, comprising representatives from over 170 nations and observers from more than 440 organizations, gathered in Busan, South Korea, from November 25 for this fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5).
Throughout the week, delegates debated two documents presented by the INC Chair, Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso, and ultimately agreed on the final day to forward the Chair's Text for the next session.
"The global commitment to eradicating plastic pollution is both evident and imperative. Here in Busan, our discussions have brought us closer to an agreement on a global legally binding treaty aimed at safeguarding our health, environment, and future against the relentless tide of plastic pollution," stated Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
"This week has shown significant progress towards establishing the agreement that the world demands. The negotiations in Busan have led to a deeper understanding of the treaty's framework and essential components, as well as a clearer perspective on national positions and collective challenges. However, there remains a notable divergence in crucial areas that require further attention," she added.
"During UNEA 5.2, the global community pledged to address plastic pollution. Now, in the upcoming round of negotiations, we have the chance to transform that promise into reality—an opportunity we must seize," she emphasized.
After INC-5, the committee will likely ask the UNEP Executive Director to communicate the location of the resumed fifth session.
"Our objectives have always been ambitious. Yet, achieving ambition takes time. We possess many of the necessary components, and our time in Busan has set us firmly on the path to success," remarked Ambassador Vayas.
“I urge all delegations to continue forging paths, building connections, and engaging in constructive dialogue."
"Let us not forget that our mission is both noble and urgent: to reverse and rectify the grave impacts of plastic pollution on ecosystems and human health," he continued.
In March 2022, at the resumed fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), a landmark resolution was passed to create an international legally binding framework addressing plastic pollution, including its impact on marine environments.
The resolution stipulates that the instrument must adopt a comprehensive strategy tackling the entire lifecycle of plastic, encompassing its production, design, and disposal.
"We have tested the resilience of our planet to its utmost; it is now time for us to push our own limits and honor the trust placed in us—we have no option but to succeed. The INC Secretariat and I are fully committed to supporting this endeavor," declared Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the INC Secretariat.
INC-5 follows four previous negotiation rounds: INC-1 in Punta del Este in November 2022; INC-2 in Paris in June 2023; INC-3 in Nairobi in November 2023; and INC-4 in Ottawa in April 2024.
