NEWS – fourth session of the INC to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-4), opened in Canada’s capital, Ottawa

HIGHLIGHTS

• Objective of INC-4
  • Aim: Advance negotiations for finalizing the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.
  • Intersessional work between INC-4 and INC-5 to support further text development.
• INC Progress and Urgency
  • Growing agreement on eliminating problematic plastic uses.
  • Urgency due to ongoing plastic pollution affecting ecosystems.
• INC-5 and Diplomatic Conference
  • INC-5 in Busan to conclude the INC process, followed by Heads of State signing the agreement at a Diplomatic Conference.
• Role of Multilateral Cooperation
  • Emphasis on multilateral cooperation and the critical role of the INC process in ending plastic pollution.
  • Importance of scientific evidence and optimism in negotiations.
• Canada’s Leadership and Ambition
  • Canada’s efforts to address plastic pollution domestically and align with global ambitions.
  • Hosting INC-4 to continue work towards a global agreement.
• Host Country Alliance
  • Ministerial meeting of host countries to galvanize momentum towards the global instrument.
  • Flexibility and consensus-building emphasized for progress during INC-4.
• INC Objectives and Flexibility
  • INC delegates urged to address key issues and work towards consensus.
  • Importance of delivering a text close to the final agreement

INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE (INC)

• Resolution and Mandate
  • In March 2022, during the resumed fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), a historic resolution (5/14) was adopted to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
  • The resolution mandated the Executive Director of UNEP to convene an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop the instrument. It was to be based on a comprehensive approach covering the full life cycle of plastic.
• Timeline of INC Sessions
  • The INC commenced its work in the second half of 2022, with the goal of completing negotiations by the end of 2024.
  • INC-1 took place in Punta del Este, Uruguay, from 28 November to 2 December 2022.
  • INC-2 was held in Paris, France, from 29 May to 2 June 2023.
  • INC-3 occurred in Nairobi, Kenya, from 13 to 19 November 2023.
  • The upcoming fourth session (INC-4) is scheduled for 23 to 29 April 2024 in Ottawa, Canada