The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) for the development of a binding international agreement on plastic pollution, including in marine environments, has commenced today in Ottawa, Canada's capital.

The objective of this session is to advance negotiations in order to finalise the text of the instrument at the fifth session (INC-5) scheduled for November. Members will also determine the inter-sessional work required between INC-4 and INC-5 to further develop the text.

INC-4 marks the second-to-last stage of negotiations, following earlier rounds in Punta del Este (INC-1, November 2022), Paris (INC-2, June 2023), and Nairobi (INC-3, November 2023).

Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, Inger Andersen, notes that countries are moving towards consensus on phasing out problematic and avoidable plastic uses.

She emphasises that while plastic will still be needed for specific purposes like renewable energy technologies, efforts to reduce its harmful impacts are crucial.

“But there is growing agreement that short-lived and single use can go. We can be proud of what we have achieved. But a job half-done is a job not done,” said Inger said.

Inger highlights that the world is racing against time, both in terms of completing the instrument and the planet's capacity to endure further damage.

“As we deliberate, plastic pollution continues to gush into ecosystems. So, I ask for INC-4 to show energy, commitment, collaboration, and ambition to make progress and set the stage for INC-5 to finalise an instrument that will end plastic pollution, once and for all,” she said. 

INC-5, scheduled to take place in Busan, Republic of Korea, from November 25 to December 2, 2024, marks the conclusion of the INC process. Subsequently, a Diplomatic Conference will convene, during which Heads of State will formally sign the agreement.

Chair of the INC, Luis Vayas Valdivieso, emphasises the global effort to advance negotiations and finalize a treaty. He says the collective recognition that multilateral cooperation, embodied in the INC process and a new legally binding international instrument, is essential for delivering effective solutions to combat plastic pollution.

“The spirit of multilateralism is: “together, we are stronger. Let us negotiate with accountability and integrity –grounded in the scientific evidence and facts on the scale and urgency of ending plastic pollution. Let us also approach this task with optimism, that it is both necessary and possible for us to achieve this new treaty,” said Luis.

Before the commencement of INC-4, there were regional consultations and discussions with Observers. Canada also organized a Partnerships Day and a Ministerial Day alongside the session.

Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, expresses that reaching a global agreement on plastic pollution by the end of 2024 would signify one of the most impactful environmental decisions.

He highlights that such an agreement, the first of its kind, would unite the world in pursuit of a common goal to eradicate plastic pollution. Mr Guilbeault stated that Canada has implemented several measures domestically to address the issue of plastic pollution.

“We are keen to keep up the momentum for a global agreement that aligns with our ambition. We welcome delegations, partners, and stakeholders from around the world to Ottawa for INC-4 to continue the ambitious work needed to achieve this united goal,” he said.

Executive Secretary of the INC, Jyoti Mathur-Filipp encourages participants to seize the opportunity and make the most of the next seven days. She emphasises the importance of delivering a text that closely aligns with the final agreement desired by all involved.

“You delegates know the issues that need to be addressed at this session, and that flexibility will be needed to reach consensus. This is the only way forward,” she said.