Global negotiations for a binding plastic pollution treaty begin in Busan

Every day, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic are dumped into the world’s oceans, rivers, and lakes.

Every year 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste leaks into aquatic ecosystems, polluting lakes, rivers and seas.

Busan: The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment kicked off today in Busan, Republic of Korea.

INC-5, which takes place from 25 November to 1 December aims to conclude negotiations and finalize the text of the agreement.

The third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee held at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Headquarters in Nairobi in November 2022, agreed upon to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.

Making an opening remarks, 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 jeopardizes 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 finalizing a treaty on plastic pollution.” he added.

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.

Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said “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” she further added.

INC-5 was preceded by a series of ministerial meetings, regional consultations, and a conversation with Observers.

“The voices of the world are clear: we need healthy meals free from microplastics; we need clean air, oceans, and forests; we need safe, non-toxic plastic products; we need innovation, circularity, and collaboration to replace harmful plastics,” said Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso, Chair of the INC.

More than 3,800 participants have registered to participate in INC-5 from 177 countries and over 600 Observer organizations.

“The success of these negotiations will directly shape the world we live in – now and in the future -, because once the ink is dry, words must be followed by action, and we should all have our eyes on this instrument’s implementation.” said Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the INC. “

The INC is tasked with developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, which could include both binding and voluntary approaches, based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic.