Reflections on INC 5.2 Talks: A Step Forward in Global Plastics Regulation
Since 2022, BVRio has been following the negotiation process inside the UN to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment – a Global Plastic Treaty.
In August in Geneva we participated in the INC 5.2 (the second part of the fifth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee), which ended without an agreement on the text. It is clear there is a conflict of interest between two groups of countries (the High Ambition Coalition (HAC), who argue that production caps are essential, and the Like Minded Countries (LMC) opposed to production caps), so that reaching a consensus about the matter in this format seems like a distant dream. After six rounds of talks, the current INC process may have proven inadequate for future negotiations, suggesting a need for different, more dynamic formats.
Still, we consider that the whole INC process has achieved progress in the global efforts to address plastic pollution. BVRio actively participated in these discussions, including by convening a roundtable event focused on unlocking finance for inclusive waste recovery initiatives, and submitting an Official Observer statement focusing on waste pickers and EPR.
The BVRio waste management and circular economy team observed the following about the talks and feel that despite the disappointing end, ambition and optimism remains high. There was a notable strengthening of unity among progressive governments, who identified common ground and shared objectives, fostering a more collaborative approach to tackling the plastic crisis. This alignment is crucial for driving forward effective global policies. We saw this also while delivering a recent regional training programme on innovative financing options for addressing plastic pollution in the South Asia region.
Furthermore, all governments involved in the talks now possess a much deeper and more nuanced understanding of the multifaceted issues surrounding plastic pollution. This heightened awareness is essential for developing comprehensive and targeted solutions, particularly where informal waste pickers are critical in the Global South. The discussions also helped to clarify which governments may be less committed or constructive in their participation, allowing for a more focused allocation of diplomatic efforts, thereby concentrating on those willing to engage meaningfully.
Finally, a significant positive external effect of the INC meetings has been another surge in media attention on plastics, which is vital for maintaining pressure on governments and industries to act, as well as for mobilising broader societal engagement.
