The Fifth [and Final] Session towards a Global Plastics Treaty
Babet is a researcher and consultant in global plastics governance and an organiser involved in youth advocacy on plastic pollution.
Exactly 1,000 days after the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted Resolution 5/14 to “End Plastic Pollution,” the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) formally began its work. The goal: to finalise an international legally binding instrument addressing the full lifecycle of plastics to end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. Over the past two years, representatives from 192 nations and countless observers gathered in Punta del Este, Paris, Nairobi, Ottawa, and now Busan. Busan was meant to mark the final session of the negotiations, but as the days unfolded, it became clear that the finish line was still just out of reach.
The Challenge of Streamlining a Crowded Text
The negotiations began with the introduction of the Chair’s “non-paper,” the third iteration of a document created in the hope of streamlining discussions. Previous sessions of the INC resulted in a 73-page compilation of proposed treaty articles enclosed in brackets. In the grammar of negotiations, brackets indicate optional elements where there is yet no consensus and therefore may be deleted. The Chair’s non-paper aimed to identify areas of consensus to focus negotiations on the critical issues that would make the best use of the seven days allocated for INC-5.
After debating whether it adequately reflected all perspectives, the INC agreed to use the non-paper as a starting point that would be expanded to ensure inclusivity.
“Less than 68 hours to develop an instrument”
By Monday night, the INC divided into four contact groups, each tasked with addressing specific treaty elements. These were:
- Plastic products, chemicals of concern, and sustainable supply,
- Plastic waste management, emissions, existing pollution, and just transition,
- Finance, capacity building, and technology transfer,
- Objective, scope, preamble, and principles; implementation and monitoring; human health; and awareness, education, and research.
Negotiations continued through Thursday evening but failed to produce a consensus on key issues. Sticking points included whether the treaty should regulate plastic products and production, how to finance its implementation, and the overall ambition of the treaty. To break the deadlock, negotiators entered informal closed-door discussions in the hope of reaching compromise.
Throughout the week, the Chair released updated non-papers that incorporated interventions from member states. On plastic products, the early focus on chemicals of concern and problematic plastics narrowed to include only those with high leakage risks, hazardous chemicals, or limited reusability. Exemptions were later introduced, raising concerns about potential loopholes.
On plastic supply, initial proposals to manage sustainable production and consumption evolved into an option for a global target to reduce primary plastic polymer production. However, another option proposed no regulation at all, reflecting significant disagreement among member states.
On financial mechanisms, initial drafts suggested creating a dedicated fund to support implementation, capacity-building, and technology transfer, especially for vulnerable nations like least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS). However, by the final non-paper, key financial provisions remained bracketed, leaving their inclusion uncertain.
Dr Babet de Groot donated a roof tile to the Haedong Yonggung Temple restoration effort with hopes for the treaty written on the stone.
As the negotiators worked into the early hours of the morning, observers sidelined by the closed-door discussions took the chance to explore the city. Some enjoyed the bustling energy of Gukje Market, filled with street food and second-hand clothing stalls, while others took a dip (braving the winter chill) in Haeundae Beach. Many explored the colourful alleyways of a former Korean War refugee settlement turned art precinct, the Gamcheon Culture Village, or made a prayer for an ambitious global plastics treaty at Haedong Yonggung Temple.
Alongside the formal proceedings, observers of the negotiations convened side-events to ensure that voices beyond government delegates were heard. Memorable events included the Break Free from Plastic Movement march through Busan; the Children and Youth Major Group’s youth and stakeholder assembly; the Scientists’ Coalition’s panel on the role of science; and the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Plastics’ press conference on the disproportionate impacts of plastic pollution on Indigenous, frontline, and fenceline communities. These events reminded policymakers and stakeholders of the real-world impacts of their decisions.
A Treaty Delayed
By the end of the week, it was clear that an international legally binding instrument would not be finalised at this session. The final plenary presented Non-Paper 5 as the basis for a resumed fifth session (INC-5.2), delaying the treaty’s conclusion.
INC-5 exemplified the complexity and urgency of tackling plastic pollution. It highlighted the challenge of balancing ambition with consensus. While a final treaty remains elusive, the hope is that the resumed session in 2025 will bridge the remaining divides and deliver the transformative action our planet desperately needs.
Join the Fight to “Hold the Line”
As member states remain at odds over the level of ambition for the future instrument, stakeholder engagement has never been more critical. It is up to us to push our leaders and policymakers towards an ambitious treaty that tackles plastic pollution effectively.
Young people, often bearing the brunt of environmental crises, play a vital role in shaping this treaty. If you’re a young person passionate about addressing the global plastics crisis, now is the time to make your voice heard. The Youth Communiqué to End Plastic Pollution provides an opportunity to share your perspectives, priorities, and solutions directly with decision-makers.
This communiqué is a powerful tool for ensuring youth voices remain front and centre in treaty negotiations. By filling out the survey, you can join a growing global movement working to hold governments accountable for ambitious and equitable action against plastic pollution. Don’t miss this chance to influence the future – your voice matters.
