The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-5), has begun.
Taking place in Busan, Republic of Korea, the session aims to conclude negotiations and finalise the text of the agreement.
The session, which takes place from 25 November to 1 December, aims to finalise and approve the text of the instrument.
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.
In a video message, H.E. Yoon Suk Yeol, President of the Republic of Korea, said: “The excessive reliance of humanity on the convenience of plastics has resulted in an exponential increase in plastic waste.
“The waste accumulated in our oceans and rivers now jeopardises the lives of future generations.
“I sincerely hope that over the coming week, all member states will stand together in solidarity – with a sense of responsibility for future generations – to open a new historic chapter by finalising a treaty on plastic pollution.”
INC-5 was preceded by a series of ministerial meetings, regional consultations, and a conversation with observers.
More than 3,800 participants have registered to participate in INC-5 – the highest number of the five meetings – representing more than 170 countries and over 600 Observer organisations.
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), commented: “The moment of truth is here to end plastic pollution.
“Not a single person on this planet wants to witness plastic in their communities or washing up on their shores. Not a single person wants chemical-laced plastic particles in their bloodstreams, organs, or their unborn babies.
“We have a historic moment to end the world’s plastic pollution crisis and protect our environment, our health, and our future. Our job in Busan this week is clear: agree a treaty that puts us on the road to delivering a plastic pollution-free future once and for all.”
