Initial Considerations for INC-5 – Briefing

For the fifth (and potentially final) round of the global plastics treaty negotiations (INC-5), expectations are high, in particular in consummating an agreement on an instrument capable of ending plastic pollution and reducing harm across the entire plastics lifecycle.

From the outset, it has been clear that this is a generational undertaking with no quick fixes. At INC-5, political will must take centre stage to resolve several contentious issues and find both agreement and ambition. This pivotal session will show whether the years of work undertaken to reach this point have provided a sufficient foundation to craft an instrument fit for the task and whether agreeing to a new international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution can be achieved by the aspirational 2024 deadline. This briefing provides our initial — and potentially final — considerations on the INC process, focusing on high-level considerations to get the job done.