Pursuant to the arrangements of the resolution passed at the resumed 5th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), entitled “End plastic pollution: towards an international legally binding instrument” , the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is requested to convene an Open-ended Working Group open to all stakeholders, to prepare for the process of the setting up of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) addressed in the resolution. INC begins its work in 2022, with the ambition of completing the “End plastic pollution: towards an international legally binding instrument” by the end of 2024. It is expected to present a legally binding instrument, which would reflect diverse alternatives to address the full lifecycle of plastics, the design of reusable and recyclable products and materials, and the need for enhanced international collaboration to facilitate access to technology, capacity building and scientific and technical cooperation.

 

On 28 November, the “First Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment” (hereinafter called the INC-1), was officially inaugurated in Punta del Este, Uruguay. More than 2000 representatives from over 160 countries participated in the event to have in-depth discussions on details about the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, such as its structure, scope, main contents, standard text etc. The World Eco-Design Conference (WEDC) was invited by the UNEP to participate in the Session.  

 

At the Session, the President of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, Luis Lacalle Pou, and the Minister of the Ministry of Environment, Nelson Adrián Peña Robaina delivered opening remarks. In the speech of the Executive Director of UNEP, Inger Anderson restated 4 expectations of the Session:

- Build an instrument broad enough and deep enough to cover the whole plastics problem, while also ensuring that all countries can participate;

- Be informed by science and work with stakeholders to build a new plastics economy;

- Learn from other multilateral agreements, work with them and also innovate in the multilateral space;

- Ensure adequate financial and technical assistance for developing countries.

 

Nowadays, the international community is being faced with the severe challenge of plastic pollution, developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution is of great significance to take joint actions to address plastic pollution, and accelerate the sustainable development for the world. As an non-governmental organization (NGO) in special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (UN-ECOSOC), the WEDC will continue to pay close attention to the INC and other progresses on the implementations of the “End plastic pollution: towards an international legally binding instrument” , and the WEDC hereby calls for closer cooperation among all countries, and giving a full play to the Multilateral Environmental Agreement.     

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/7LwWENxCYnEcN4ODaS21OA