Blog of Shaleen Wanjiru, SI Representative to the UN in Nairobi.
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) was established by the UN General Assembly on 11 December 1990 to negotiate a framework convention on climate change. The INC held five sessions where over 150 states discussed binding commitments, targets, and timetables for emissions reductions, financial mechanisms, technology transfer, and the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” for developed and developing countries.
These negotiations culminated in the adoption of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which was opened for signature at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. The UNFCCC aimed to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
The INC’s work laid the foundation for subsequent international climate agreements, including the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and the Paris Agreement in 2015.
The INC and Plastic Pollution
As the world grapples with the escalating crisis of plastic pollution, the INC has been at the forefront of crafting a historic, legally binding international instrument to address this global challenge. With five key sessions leading up to the final meeting in Busan, Republic of Korea, the INC’s journey has been marked by intense negotiations, collaborative efforts, and a commitment to a sustainable future.
INC-1: Punta del Este – Laying the Foundation
The INC held its first session in Punta del Este, Uruguay, from 28 November to 2 December 2022, marking the official beginning of negotiations for a global treaty on plastic pollution. This session was pivotal in setting the stage for future discussions by establishing the scope and objectives of the treaty. Discussions centred around creating a comprehensive agreement that would address the full lifecycle of plastics. The session underscored the importance of financial and technical support, particularly for developing countries, and gained strong support for the polluter-pays principle and extended producer responsibility schemes. The participation of marginalised groups, including informal waste pickers, was highlighted as essential. As the first step, the groundwork was laid for future sessions, and the committee agreed to reconvene in Paris.
INC-2: Paris – Building Momentum
Held in Paris from 29 May to 2 June 2023, the second session of the INC built upon the foundation laid in Punta del Este. Discussions focused on refining the treaty’s structure and scope, with delegates debating core obligations such as phasing out problematic plastics and the adoption of national action plans. One of the main achievements of this session was the provisional adoption of rules of procedure, though voting
procedures remained a contentious issue. Contact groups were established to focus on specific elements of the treaty, including phasing out primary plastic polymers and addressing microplastics. The session made significant progress, with the secretariat tasked with preparing a zero-draft text for the next session, which would be based on discussions from both INC-1 and INC-2.
NC-3: Nairobi – Refining the Draft
The third session, held in Nairobi from 13 to 19 November 2023, saw the committee focus on refining the zero-draft text of the treaty. Delegates aimed to narrow down options and identify areas of consensus, particularly regarding contentious issues such as the regulation of primary plastic polymers and problematic plastic products. Contact groups were formed to address different aspects of the treaty, with discussions focusing on refining objectives, obligations, and means of implementation. Though the debates were extensive, the session ended with a commitment to continue the refinement process in Ottawa, where more concrete outcomes were anticipated.
INC-4: Ottawa – Advancing Towards Consensus
The fourth session, held in Ottawa from 23 to 29 April 2024, marked a critical point in the treaty negotiations as delegates began to refine the revised draft text further. The session focused heavily on core discussions around obligations and control measures, with debates centred on the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing plastics’ entire lifecycle. Stakeholder engagement remained a priority, and the importance of structured intersessional work was emphasised. The session concluded with optimism that the final negotiations in Busan would bring the treaty to fruition.
INC-5: Busan – The Final Stretch
As the INC prepares for its fifth and final session in Busan, Republic of Korea, from 25 November to 1 December 2024, the world watches closely. The culmination of years of negotiations, the Busan session is expected to finalise the treaty and address any remaining unresolved issues. Delegates will aim to deliver a robust, comprehensive, and legally binding instrument capable of addressing the global plastic pollution crisis. The journey to this point has been marked by collaboration, compromise, and determination, and the outcome of this final session will shape the future of global plastic pollution policy.
Conclusion
The road to Busan has been a journey of collaboration, compromise, and dedication. The progress made in each session brings the world closer to a legally binding treaty that could pave the way for a future free from plastic pollution. The outcome of this journey will shape the future of our planet for generations to come.