INC-5 in Busan Wraps Up: Milestone Reached, Further Negotiations Ahead

The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5), convened to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, concluded yesterday in Busan, Republic of Korea. While a final treaty text was not adopted during this round, the session marked a significant milestone in the ongoing negotiations, underscoring the continued engagement of the international community in addressing the complex challenge of plastic pollution.

Over the course of several days, more than 3,300 delegates from over 170 countries and 440 observer organizations gathered to participate in comprehensive and often technical discussions on the scope, structure, and core obligations of the future agreement. These discussions covered key aspects such as plastic production, product design, waste management, and the need for enhanced international cooperation and capacity-building.

Although consensus on a final treaty text was not reached, the Committee agreed to adopt the Chair’s Text as the basis for the next phase of negotiations. This document, also referred to as the Chair’s 5th non-paper, reflects the current state of discussions and will serve as the primary reference point for the upcoming sixth session of negotiations, expected to take place in 2025. The adoption of this document is viewed as an important procedural step that enables the continuation of the negotiation process.

Speaking at the close of the session, Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), emphasized the significance of the progress made in Busan. She noted that, “The world’s commitment to ending plastic pollution is clear and undeniable. Here in Busan, talks have moved us closer to agreeing on a global legally binding treaty that will protect our health, our environment, and our future from the onslaught of plastic pollution.”

Delegates also discussed provisions related to implementation measures, financial mechanisms, and national action plans, as well as the importance of transparency and inclusive participation. The negotiations have demonstrated both the complexity and urgency of forging international consensus on an issue that affects ecosystems, human health, and economies around the world.

The road ahead remains challenging, but the session in Busan reaffirmed the collective determination of the global community to make tangible progress. The adoption of the Chair’s Text provides a shared foundation from which further discussions can build, with the goal of reaching an ambitious and effective treaty by the next round of talks.

As the international community looks ahead to 2025, the outcomes of INC-5 underscore the importance of sustained dialogue, scientific input, and stakeholder engagement in shaping a comprehensive response to plastic pollution.