A decisive step in the global plastic crisis 

From November 25 to December 1, the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) is taking place in Busan, South Korea, with the aim of finalizing a legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution. A decisive step in tackling the global plastic crisis.  

Over 3,800 participants have registered for INC-5, representing 177 countries and more than 600 observer organizations, demonstrating the urgency and importance of the issue. On the first day, the use of Non-Paper 3 from the Chair, Ambassador Luis Vayas, was approved as the basis to facilitate negotiations, which will be conducted through contact groups throughout the week.

During the opening on the 25th, the President of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Yoon Suk Yeol, emphasized the need for collective action to protect future generations from the devastating impacts of plastic pollution. He underscored that “excessive plastic dependence” is endangering oceans and rivers, impacting the health of the planet and all of us. 

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen reinforced that “the moment of truth” has arrived to end plastic pollution. She highlighted the global desire for a future free from microplastics in our bodies, beaches, and communities. Andersen emphasized that the goal for this week in Busan is clear: to reach an ambitious treaty that leads us toward a future free of plastic pollution. 

Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso, Chair of the INC, also called for global collaboration, emphasizing the need for innovation, circularity, and dialogue to overcome differences and reach a treaty as ambitious as our collective will allows. For him, the world’s voices are clear: we need a clean environment, with safe, non-toxic plastic products and food.

Several countries expressed support for the use of Non-Paper 3 as the basis for negotiations, although they also stressed the importance of ensuring that all perspectives are considered in the final text. 

INC-5 continues with discussions on topics such as plastic waste management, emissions and discharges, existing plastic pollution, and a just transition. Discussions are also being held on support provisions – implementation and enforcement, national plans, reporting, monitoring progress, and evaluating effectiveness.  

Commitment of Fundación Avina 

While waste pickers are having significant influence on Just Transition issues, Fundación Avina has actively supported that other articles of the treaty also reflect a perspective that could improve working conditions and formalize waste pickers. In our statement on the INC-5 Non-Paper, we highlighted the importance of including waste pickers as key actors not only in the context of Just Transition but also in waste management, plastic products, with an eye toward improving products with higher recyclability potential, and other treaty articles. We propose ensuring their active participation and promoting their recognition as essential workers with access to dignified working conditions, accessible financing, and technical support, as detailed in our proposals for inclusion in key articles of the treaty. This approach aims to ensure not only environmental sustainability but also human dignity, fostering an inclusive and collaborative circular economy.

The first days have clearly shown the need for global leaders’ commitment to seek a treaty that is ambitious and applicable, ensuring it is possible to effectively address the plastic pollution crisis. Negotiations continue throughout the week, and everyone is working hard to ensure we have a solid final document that represents a real advancement.