Plastic Pollution Treaty Negotiations Progress with New Text and 2025 Follow-Up Session
By Gloria Sarauniya Usman
BUSAN, 2 December 2024 – The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) on crafting a legally binding global treaty to tackle plastic pollution has concluded with significant progress. Delegates from over 170 nations and representatives from more than 440 organizations convened in Busan, Republic of Korea, from 25 November to 2 December 2024, to advance this historic initiative.
The session ended with consensus on a “Chair’s Text,” prepared by INC Chair Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso, which will serve as the foundation for continued negotiations in a resumed session scheduled for 2025.
Progress and Challenges Highlighted in Busan
The talks saw over 3,300 participants deliberating on the structure and key elements of the treaty. While notable progress was achieved in aligning positions on various aspects of the treaty, significant divergence persists in critical areas, necessitating additional time for resolution.
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen emphasized the urgency of the task, stating, “The world’s commitment to ending plastic pollution is clear. This week’s meeting has brought us closer to a legally binding global treaty that will protect our health, environment, and future. However, more effort is needed to bridge remaining gaps and address persistent challenges.”
Ambassador Vayas echoed this sentiment, urging continued collaboration: “Busan has set a clear pathway to success. Our mandate is ambitious, and ambition requires time and dedication. Let us remain focused on our shared goal of reversing the severe effects of plastic pollution.”
Path to a Comprehensive Global Treaty
The treaty, initially mandated by the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) in March 2022, aims to address plastic pollution through a holistic approach encompassing production, design, and disposal. The upcoming session will further refine the “Chair’s Text” to meet the ambitious targets set by UNEA.
INC Executive Secretary Jyoti Mathur-Filipp reaffirmed the Secretariat's support, stating, “We’ve tested the planet’s resilience to its limits. It’s time for us to push beyond our own limits to honor the trust placed in us. Failure is not an option.”
The INC process has seen four previous negotiation rounds, held in Punta del Este (November 2022), Paris (June 2023), Nairobi (November 2023), and Ottawa (April 2024).
The resumed fifth session is expected to take place in 2025, with UNEP set to confirm the venue in the coming months.
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