Update
Towards Plastic Pollution INC-3
The third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-3), is scheduled to take place from 13 to 19 November 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya.
About the INC Process
For several years, plastic pollution has been a major issue raised at the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) and other global fora.
In March 2022, Member States participating in UNEA-5 adopted resolution 5/14 – End plastic pollution: towards an international legally binding instrument, recognizing that “the high and rapidly increasing levels of plastic pollution represent a serious environmental problem at a global scale, negatively impacting the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development”. This historic resolution mandates the UN Environment Programme Executive Director to convene an International Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop and adopt a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastics. This landmark decision thus launched the process towards a global plastics treaty, which should be developed by the end of 2024.
Pre INC-3 Sessions
The first three meetings for the development of the international legally binding agreement on plastic pollution took place in 2022 and 2023. In May 2022, the ad hoc open-ended working group (OEWG) met in Dakar, Senegal. The meeting resulted in a proposed draft rules of procedure for the work of the INC. Member States then met in Punta del Este, Uruguay, from 28 November to 2 December 2022 for the first meeting of the INC to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. The second meeting of the INC took place in Paris, France from 29 May to 2 June 2023, resulting in the mandate to the Chair to prepare a zero draft of the treaty ahead of INC-3.
Towards INC-3
The third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-3), is scheduled to take place from 13 to 19 November 2023 at the United Nations Environment Programme Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The session will be preceded by regional consultations on 12 November 2023. Also as decided by the Committee at its second session, a preparatory one-day meeting will take place on 11 November 2023, at the same venue.
At its second session, the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee requested the Secretariat to invite written submissions on (a) Elements not discussed at INC-2, such as principles and scope of the instrument (using Template A), and (b) Any potential areas for inter-sessional work compiled by the cofacilitators of the two contact groups, to inform the work of INC-3 (using Template B). The deadline for submissions for observer organizations is 15 August 2023 and for Members of the Committee is 15 September 2023). → More information is available in the notification and submissions can be consulted on INC-3 Website.
The scenario note prepared by the Chair with the support of the secretariat seeks to assist Members in their preparations for the third session of the committee and to propose a way forward intended to maximize the limited time available for negotiations. The scenario note should be read in conjunction with the meeting documentation prepared to inform discussions throughout INC-3.
Zero Draft
As requested by INC-2 in May 2023, the Chair of the process, with the support of the secretariat, developed the zero draft text of the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, The draft is guided by the views expressed at the committee’s first and second sessions.
Registration and Other Relevant Information
As decided by the INC at its second session, the third session of the INC will take place fully in-person.
Registration for Members of the Committee is open until 6 October 2023, observers registration will soon be announced. Registration must be submitted online via the INDICO registration system.
→ More details on registration modalities and categories-specific procedures is available on INC-3 website.
Information regarding travel support, transportation, accommodation, the venue, badges and more are continuously updated by the Secretariat on the information note for participants, regular consultation is advised.
INC-3 Provisional Agenda
As of 10 July 2023, the provisional agenda for the third session of the INC on plastic pollution contains the following items:
- Opening of the session.
- Election of officers.
- Organizational matters:
(a) Adoption of the rules of procedure;
(b) Adoption of the agenda;
(c) Organization of work;
(d) Dates and venues of subsequent sessions of the intergovernmental negotiating
committee;
(e) Provisional agenda of the fourth session. - Preparation of an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the
marine environment. - Other matters.
- Adoption of the report of the session.
- Closure of the session.
Preparatory Events
Geneva Beat Plastic Pollution Dialogues
Through the Geneva Beat Plastic Pollution Dialogues, the Geneva Environment Network and its partners support actors in the Geneva community and beyond, that are engaged in the INC process. In the upcoming months ahead INC-3, the co-conveners of the Geneva Beat Plastic Pollution Dialogues will host events dedicated to the upcoming negotiations. Upcoming sessions:
- Briefing on the 3rd Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Develop an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution (Plastic Pollution INC-3) | 12 October 2023 | 14:00 – 15:30 CEST
Other Preparatory Sessions
INC Secretariat Webinars
The INC Secretariat will host a series of webinars from 22 August to 17 October 2023 to contribute to informing the discussions of the INC-3 . The webinars will include initial presentations, followed by a short question-and-answer session. All the webinars will be in English only, and no simultaneous translation will be provided. Topics have been selected to complement the webinars in the previous intersessional period and with a view to addressing areas of interest expressed by Members of the Committee.
Webinar 1: Reflections on Institutional Structures in existing MEAs, including science-policy bodies | 22 August 2023 | 15:00 – 16:30 CEST
This session will present the governance structures of selected existing multilateral environmental agreements, including, as relevant, the operation of scientific and technical bodies, that could inform the consideration by the Committee of the institutional arrangements for the future international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. → Rewatch the session and access the presentations.
Webinar 2: First webinar for observers to share information from their written submissions | 29 August 2023 | 15:00 – 16:00 CEST
This session offered observers an opportunity to present the main ideas and concepts from their written submissions to INC 3. → Rewatch the session and access the presentations.
Webinar 3: Second webinar for observers to share information from their written submissions | 5 September 2023 | 15:00 – 16:00 CEST
This session will offer observers an opportunity to present the main ideas and concepts from their written submissions to INC 3. → Rewatch the session and access the presentations.
Webinar 4: Identifying chemicals and polymers of concern | Tuesday 12 September 2023 | 15:00 – 16:30 CEST
This session presented information in relation to the determination of chemicals and polymers of concern used in plastic products, including on plastic-related chemicals and polymers covered by existing conventions and national regulatory frameworks, other processes and frameworks in which chemicals or polymers of concern are being considered, and examples of relevant criteria and approaches adopted in national regulations to address chemicals and polymers of concern. →Rewatch the session
Webinar 5: Designing and producing plastic products for circularity | 26 September 2023 | 15:00 – 16:30 CEST
This session will aim to present existing work and initiatives relating to the design and production of plastics and plastic products, including packaging, to support sustainable production and consumption. This will include consideration of relevant existing policy frameworks, partnerships and private sector initiatives. → Rewatch the session
Webinar 6: Targets, national plans and national implementation | 3 October 2023 | 15:00 – 16:30 CEST
This session will provide an opportunity to consider the role played by national plans, including national action plans and national implementation plans, as well as other forms of national commitments towards the achievement of the objectives of multilateral environmental agreements and the implementation of obligations under such agreements. This session will explore existing examples of such frameworks, that could inform negotiators in the development of the plastics instrument. → Register to attend on Zoom
Webinar 7: Bridging the gap towards safe and sustainable management of plastic waste | 10 October 2023 | 15:00 – 16:30 CEST
This session will explore what environmentally sound management (ESM) of plastic waste entails, including in terms of infrastructure investment and access to technology, and opportunities to mobilize resources towards enhancing the capacity to manage waste effectively. Socio-economic and human health dimensions of sustainable waste management, including the protection of waste workers’ health, will also be addressed. → Register to attend on Zoom
Webinar 8: Organization of work at INC-3 (including preparatory meeting) and presentation of the zero-draft text | 17 October 2023 | 15:00 – 16:30 CEST
This session will provide a presentation of the expected organization of work at INC-3, including a presentation of the zero-draft text of the instrument mandated at INC-2 to be prepared by the Chair, and other official documents prepared for the meeting. → Register to attend on Zoom
Centre for Science and Environment End Plastic Pollution Global Dialogues
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) End Plastic Pollution Global Dialogues: Perspectives from Thought Leaders – is a series of multi- stakeholder dialogues aiming to stimulate discussions and reinforce further engagement among key actors in the Global South – from opinion leaders to policymakers to the common citizens who are actively rethinking the way we produce, use, trade, distribute and manage plastics.
- Webinar 1 | 6 September 2023 | 17:00 CEST | Zoom
WHO Health and Plastics Dialogues
The WHO Health and Plastics dialogue series will host four dialogues ahead of INC3, which aim to i) increase the understanding of health actors regarding the INC process and the relevance of this treaty to health; ii) increase the understanding of non-health actors about health issues and risks under the proposed plastics treaty, and to iii) seek participants views on how health should be reflected in the treaty in light of the intersections between plastic pollution and health; and the potential role and contribution of WHO and other health stakeholders to the development and implementation of the plastics treaty.
- Webinar 1: Key issues for health in the plastics treaty | 18 September | 13:00 to 15:30 CEST |
- Webinar 2: Health risks of plastics | October 2023 (TBC)
- Webinar 3: Plastics in Healthcare | 2 November 2023
- Webinar 4: One Health, plastics & indigenous health | 8 November 2023
Norway and the Nordic Ministers of the Environment report launch during the UN General Assembly
Norway and the Nordic Ministers of the Environment launched a report “Towards Ending Plastic Pollution by 2040 – 15 Global Policy Interventions for Systems Change” during the UN General Assembly on 19 September 2023 from 22:00 to 24:00 CEST.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Geneva Liaison Office (FAO Geneva)
FAO Liaison Offices in Geneva (LOG) and New York (LON) with the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) will host a briefing on the role of plastics in agriculture. This briefing will discuss the outcomes of the Second Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-2); inform on the mandate for a zero draft of the Treaty to be prepared by the INC Chair ahead of INC-3, and their implications for the agriculture sector; and explore concrete solutions to address plastic use and waste in agriculture through country examples and best practices. → Register to attend the event taking place at Palais des Nations | Room H/5-542 – H.542 on 3 October 2023 from
IUCN Plastic Pollution Meeting Series 2023
IUCN and Ubuntoo will host a webinar “Valorising waste on islands & opportunities for a circular economy” to address its role in the context of the Plastic Treaty. → Register to attend on Zoom the webinar taking place on 17 October 2023 from 14:00 CEST.
International Geneva at INC-3
As a global hub for environmental governance, in particular for chemicals and waste issue, Geneva hosts many organizations whose work is highly relevant for the development of a new instrument on plastic pollution. Learn more about the organizations active in Geneva to tackle the plastic crisis through our Plastics and the Environment special section on “Addressing the Plastic Crisis from Geneva”. As we head toward INC-3, we will highlight activities, documents and resources related specifically to this meeting below.
Pre-session Submissions
Highly engaged in the process, actors and stakeholders from International Geneva have provided written submissions on (a) elements not discussed at INC-2, such as principles and scope of the instrument: Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty | CIEL (Definitions compilation) | IATA | ILO | ISO | ITUC | IUCN | OHCHR | Scientists Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty | UNDRR | WBCSD | WHO ; and (b) any potential areas for inter-sessional work compiled by the cofacilitators of the two contact groups, to inform the work of INC-3: Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty | Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions| CIEL | CIEL, WCEL and IUCN |Forum on Trade, Environment & the SDGs (TESS) | Geneva Cities Hub | ISO | IUCN | Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty (Scientists’ Coalition) | UNITAR | WHO
Additional Resources and News Ahead INC-3
- Standards and Related Initiatives in International Cooperation to End Plastic Pollution: Mapping and State of Play | TESS and ISO | 28 September 2023
- Reducing Plastic Production to Achieve Climate Goals: Key Considerations for the Plastics Treaty Negotiations| CIEL | 25 September
- The global plastics treaty: What is the role of bio-based plastic, biodegradable plastic and bioplastic? | Scientists Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty
- Mismanaged Plastic Levels Could Almost Double Unless Action Is Taken | Forbes | 2o September 2023
- Towards Ending Plastic Pollution by 2040 | 15 Global Policy Interventions for Systems Change | Nordic Council of Ministers | 19 September 2023
- G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration ( Commitment to End Plastic Pollution) | 10 September 2023
- Preparatory Materials for the Plastics Treaty INC-3 | CIEL | 22 August 2023
- AMCEN 2023: Africa’s Ministers of Environment Must Push for a Strong Africa Position on the Global Plastic Treaty | Greenpeace Africa | 16 August 2023
Who To Follow on Twitter
- Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary, Secretariat for the Plastics INC | @MathurFilipp
- INC Chair, Gustavo Meza-Cuadra Velásquez from Peru | @GustavoMezaCua1
- High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution | @HACplastic
- Center for International Environment Law | @CIEL_tweets | Andrés Del Castillo | Giulia Carlini | Carroll Muffett | Jane Patton | Rachel Radvany | David Azoulay
- International Union for Conservation of Nature | @IUCN_Plastics
- International Pollutants Elimination Network | @ToxicsFree | Vito A. Buonsante
- Break Free From Plastic | @brkfreeplastic
- Environmental Investigation Agency | @EIA_news | Christina Dixon
- International Alliance of Waste Pickers | @globalrec_org
- Scientists engaged in plastics research & INC process | Zhanyun Wang | Steve and Deonie Allen | Bethanie Carney Almroth | Scientists’ Coalition for Effective PlasticsTreaty | Idun Rognerud | Marina Fernandez
- Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty | @WWF & Ellen MacArthur Foundation @circulareconomy
- Inger Andersen, Executive Director, UNEP | @andersen_inger
- Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions | @brsmeas