UN Environment Programme Announces Fifth Session of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastics

The United Nations Environment Programme has confirmed the dates for the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5), set to occur from August 5 to 14, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland. This meeting represents a critical phase in the ongoing global effort to establish a legally binding treaty aimed at addressing the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution.

Purpose of the INC-5 Meeting

The INC-5 gathering is part of a broader, multi-year process initiated to develop an international agreement on plastic pollution. The session will bring together government representatives from around the world to continue negotiations on the draft treaty, which seeks to create a unified framework for reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable alternatives. The meeting is expected to focus on refining key elements of the treaty, including mechanisms for implementation, monitoring, and enforcement.

Timeline and Significance

With the session scheduled for late summer 2025, the INC-5 meeting follows a series of preparatory discussions and technical assessments that have laid the groundwork for the finalization of treaty terms. The outcomes of this session will play a decisive role in shaping the structure and scope of the global plastics agreement, which is anticipated to be formally adopted in the near future.

The location in Geneva underscores the city’s role as a hub for international environmental diplomacy and provides a neutral ground for constructive dialogue among participating nations. The decision to hold the session in 2025 reflects the need for thorough and inclusive negotiations, ensuring that all stakeholders have the opportunity to contribute to the treaty’s development.

Context of the Global Plastics Treaty

As the fifth session in a series of negotiations, INC-5 builds on the progress made in prior meetings, where key principles and objectives were defined. The treaty aims to address the full lifecycle of plastics, from production and consumption to waste management and disposal. It is intended to create a coordinated international response to a challenge that transcends national borders and affects ecosystems and human health globally.

The meeting is also expected to address the role of industry and civil society in the treaty’s implementation, with discussions on how to ensure a just transition for communities and workers in the plastics sector. This includes considerations of financial support, technology transfer, and capacity-building for developing countries.

Looking Ahead

The INC-5 meeting represents a pivotal moment in the global plastics treaty process. With a clear timeline and defined objectives, the session is expected to bring participating nations closer to a consensus on the final terms of the agreement. The results will be a key step toward a comprehensive, legally binding instrument that addresses the environmental and social challenges posed by plastic pollution.

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