By Benard Ogembo : (ogembobenard@gmail.com)
A critical negotiation to craft the world’s first global plastic treaty is underway in Busan, South Korea. Still, the likelihood of a final agreement to end plastic pollution seems increasingly slim. Delegates attending the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC5) conference are deeply divided, prompting discussions about extending the negotiation process.
One of the major sticking points is the proposal to cap plastic production. INC Chair HE Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso published a draft text on Friday that includes two opposing options: one advocating for a global target to reduce plastic production and another omitting any mention of a production cap. Delegates hope to finalize the text this weekend, but divisions remain stark.
Magnus Lovold, an expert in diplomacy and international negotiations, questioned whether the progressive majority could overcome opposition. “The question is what the progressive majority will signal at the end. Will they move ahead from the spoilers?” he asked.
The draft reflects clear fault lines between oil-producing states supplying raw materials for plastics and a coalition of European, African, Latin American, and Asian countries advocating for ambitious measures. Contentious issues include the supply chain, plastic polymers, and harmful chemicals.
Lars Stordal, a senior expert on waste and marine litter at GRID-Arendal, noted that the negotiations are leaning towards a “start and strengthen” approach. “This approach attempts to reach agreement on key provisions now, leaving more complex decisions to future conferences,” he explained.
With just one day of talks left, delegates seeking an ambitious treaty expressed frustration at the slow pace. “We don’t have time or resources for another round of negotiations. We must rise to the occasion, leave Busan with a treaty, and make compromises,” one delegate emphasized.
Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez, head of Panama’s delegation, delivered a stark warning: “We are raising a generation that starts life polluted before taking their first breath. While we debate semantics, the crisis worsens, and the consequences of plastic pollution multiply.”
Despite nearly 200 nations participating in the talks, sharp divisions persist. The text currently includes eight different definitions of plastic and five options for defining plastic pollution. This lack of consensus has dashed hopes of finalizing an ambitious treaty by the end of the year.
Swati Singh Sambyal, a capacity-building expert at GRID-Arendal, observed, “It’s a case of one step forward, two steps back. At this advanced stage, we’re still grappling with too many options.” However, she highlighted areas of progress, such as provisions on waste management, emissions, and equitable involvement of waste pickers and Indigenous communities.
Proposals from Saudi Arabia and Panama have added to the complexity. Saudi Arabia has suggested omitting language on harmful chemicals and health, while Panama has pushed for a production reduction target to be agreed upon post-treaty signing.
“Implementing this process requires resources and political will,” Monterrey Gomez stressed. “Every hesitation allows more plastic to seep into our ecosystems.”
As the conference nears its conclusion, the world watches, hopeful that this pivotal moment will yield a treaty to combat the escalating plastic crisis.
