Description

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Context:

Delegates from nearly 170 countries who gathered in Busan, South Korea, failed to agree on a framework agreement to eliminate plastic pollution despite a week of negotiations.

Details:

The objective of the ongoing international negotiations is to establish a legally binding global treaty aimed at addressing plastic pollution across its entire life cycle. With participation from 170 nations, these discussions are being held under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) meetings began in 2022, with the fifth session, INC-5, taking place in November 2024 as the “final” scheduled meeting. However, no consensus was reached, and as a result, the negotiations have been extended with a probable INC-5.2 session slated for 2025.

Previous Negotiations	INC-1: Punta del Este, Nov 2022 INC-2: Paris, Jun 2023 INC-3: Nairobi, Nov 2023 INC-4: Ottawa, Apr 2024
Participation	Over 3,800 participants from 170+ countries and 600+ Observer organizations.
Expected Outcome	Finalization of the treaty to combat plastic pollution and implementation post-approval.
Key Issues Raised	Divisions among nations, lack of transparency and compromises made for consensus.
Countries Advocating for Stronger Action	Rwanda, Mexico, and Panama – Called for addressing plastic production and hazardous chemicals.
Countries Opposing Ambitious Proposals	Saudi Arabia, Kuwait – Resisted measures on plastic production, chemicals and health regulations.
Global Demand	A strong treaty prioritizing equity, accountability and meaningful action to tackle plastic pollution.
Next Steps	Over 100 countries in the "Coalition of the Willing" pushing for a stronger treaty.

Reason for Failure of Busan INC-5

Divided Stance on Plastic Production	Oil-dependent nations like Saudi Arabia opposed capping virgin plastic production. Over 100 countries including Pacific Island nations, demanded ambitious cuts.
Lack of Consensus on Treaty Scope	Delegates were divided on whether to focus on reducing production or managing waste. Panama-backed proposals targeted production cuts but these measures were excluded.
Procedural Challenges	Consensus-based decision-making allowed some nations to stall progress, avoiding binding commitments. Saudi Arabia used procedural tactics to delay discussions.
Undefined Terminologies	Key terms like “plastic” and “control measures” remained ambiguous, complicating negotiations. The lack of clarity on plastic types hindered setting universal standards.
Economic Priorities of Developing Nations	Countries like India emphasized the need for financial aid and technology transfer to manage plastic control costs. India proposed a multilateral fund to ensure equitable transition.

About the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee

United Nations Environment Assembly resolution 5/14 requested the Executive Director of UNEP to convene an intergovernmental negotiating committee, to begin its work during the second half of 2022, with the ambition of completing its work by the end of 2024.

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.

Source:

THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Discuss the outcomes of the recent Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) meeting on plastic pollution held in Busan. What were the key reasons behind the failure to reach a consensus? (250 words)