The key negotiating session for a global treaty on plastic pollution is now under way in Busan, South Korea. More than 3,800 representatives from 170 countries, government representatives, environmental groups and observers are attending the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee known as INC-5. The aim of this treaty is clearly stated to finalise a legally binding instrument to formally address the plastic pollution crisis that has been growing alarmingly fast in recent years.
Urgency to Act on Plastic Pollution:
Plastic pollution has reached critical levels globally impacting oceans, rivers and even human health.
“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,” said H.E. Yoon Suk Yeol, President of the Republic of Korea in his opening address.
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) highlighted the human cost of inaction. “Not a single person wants chemical-laced plastic particles in their bloodstreams, organs or their unborn babies. Our job in Busan this week is clear: agree on a treaty that delivers a plastic pollution-free future once and for all.”
Key Agenda Items:
At the heart of INC-5’s agenda Includes,
Approval of a Draft Treaty: Negotiations will be based on the Chair’s Non Paper 3 which aims to streamline discussions.
Microplastics in Food and Water: Ensuring that food, air and water are free from harmful microplastics.
Safe Plastic Products: Developing guidelines for safe and non toxic alternatives to harmful plastics.
Promoting Innovation and Circular Economy: Encouraging creative solutions to replace single use plastics and improve recycling.
Global Collaboration: Fostering unity among nations to adopt and implement the treaty effectively.
“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 who is a Chairperson of the INC.
Luis Vayas Valdivieso added, “Let us harness every tool of multilateralism, every ounce of creativity, and every moment of dialogue to overcome our differences and craft a treaty as ambitious as our collective will allows.”
A Historic Opportunity:
This week in Busan is the moment of truth for the plastic crisis to be finally addressed. The treaty seeks to tackle an alarming problem facing this world which is an issue where over 12 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans yearly which harms wildlife and ecosystems.
“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.
As the week unfolds, the world watches with hope that INC-5 will usher in a new chapter in the fight against plastic pollution by securing a healthier planet for generations to come.
