Busan Hosts Global UN Summit on Plastic Pollution: INC-5

BUSAN, South Korea – In a world grappling with the environmental crisis of plastic pollution, the city of Busan is preparing to host a historic meeting that may redefine international plastic policies. From November 25 to December 1, 2024, the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) will be the site of the United Nations’ Fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) on plastic pollution. This critical summit gathers over 4,000 leaders, including representatives from 170 United Nations member states, international organizations, and environmental experts, with a unified goal: to finalize a legally binding international treaty that addresses the entire lifecycle of plastics.

The UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) was established by the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) with a clear mandate: to develop a comprehensive treaty on plastic pollution. Previous INC sessions—held in Uruguay, France, Kenya, and Canada—have laid the groundwork for a final agreement, tackling complex issues from plastic production to waste disposal. The Busan meeting marks the fifth and concluding session, where leaders are expected to reach a consensus on the treaty text, a significant step in the global fight against plastic pollution.

“The INC is committed to creating a sustainable and binding agreement that reduces plastic pollution at every level,” stated UNEP’s representative. “This treaty could be the most significant step in environmental policy since the Paris Agreement.”

Busan’s selection as the host city for INC-5 underscores its growing reputation as a global leader in sustainable initiatives. Known for its efforts in marine conservation and environmental policies, Busan has invested significantly in making sustainability a central aspect of its city identity. Mayor Park Heong-joon, a prominent advocate for environmental reform, expressed pride in hosting the event, saying, “Plastic pollution is not a distant issue—it’s a pressing global challenge that affects ecosystems and human health. We are honored to host INC-5 and to contribute to global efforts toward a sustainable future.”

Busan has prepared a range of programs to engage the public and heighten awareness around plastic pollution. In addition to hosting delegates from around the world, the city is organizing events to encourage citizens to play an active role in addressing environmental issues.

The central objective of the INC-5 meeting is to establish a comprehensive international framework to curb plastic production, improve waste management, and promote sustainable recycling practices. This treaty aims to address the significant negative impact that plastic pollution has on marine ecosystems, human health, and the global environment. Recognizing the urgency of the problem, INC-5 is expected to put forth strong, legally binding commitments that will hold nations accountable for reducing plastic production and adopting effective waste management systems, as well as sustainable recycling initiatives.

A critical focus of the discussions will be on regulating plastic production, where opinions vary among nations. Some countries advocate for strict limits on plastic production as a proactive measure, while others believe that enhancing recycling efforts is a more feasible and impactful solution. Alongside production regulation, the treaty will likely propose standardized guidelines for handling plastic waste, including recycling mandates and comprehensive waste reduction strategies that aim to lower plastic consumption at all levels of society. Furthermore, the treaty is anticipated to address financial support for developing nations, providing them with the resources necessary to implement sustainable waste management systems that may otherwise be out of reach.

In alignment with the mission of INC-5, Busan has launched several local initiatives designed to promote sustainability and reduce plastic consumption. In preparation for the conference, the city has organized a public festival titled “High Busan, Bye Plastic,” scheduled for November 23-24 at the Busan Cinema Center. This two-day festival will feature interactive eco-friendly workshops that allow participants to explore alternatives to plastic products, learn about upcycled goods, and experiment with environmentally friendly materials such as soy-based inks and biodegradable products. Through this festival, Busan aims to engage the public in a hands-on exploration of sustainable alternatives, reinforcing the city’s commitment to environmental awareness.

Another significant effort by Busan is the installation of a symbolic sculpture called “Gorae,” meaning “whale” in Korean, which will be displayed at the outdoor plaza of the BEXCO convention center. This artwork represents the devastating impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and is designed to raise awareness among both residents and international visitors about the urgent need to protect ocean life.

On November 26, Busan will also host the Circular Economy Policy Forum, bringing together policymakers, environmentalists, and local citizens to discuss the city’s vision for a circular economy. This forum will focus on sustainable resource circulation and explore future policies aimed at reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency. Through these discussions, Busan aims to position itself as a leader in sustainable urban practices and resource management, aligning closely with the objectives of INC-5.