3rd Session of the Inter-Governmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3) at the UN Complex in Gigiri

The third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, was held from November 13 to 19, 2023, at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The session was attended by over 1,900 delegates from 161 Member States, as well as representatives from intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

The objective of INC-3 was to make progress on the development of the instrument, which is aimed at addressing the full lifecycle of plastic, from production to consumption to disposal. The session was preceded by regional consultations on November 12, and a preparatory one-day meeting on November 11.

During INC-3, delegates discussed a number of key issues, including:

• The scope of the instrument, including whether it should cover all types of plastic or only certain types, such as single-use plastics.
• The objectives of the instrument, which could include reducing plastic production, improving waste management, and promoting recycling and reuse.
• The measures that could be included in the instrument, such as bans on certain types of plastic products, labeling requirements, and financial incentives.

Delegates also considered the role of developing countries in implementing the instrument, and the need for capacity building and technical assistance.

At the end of the session, delegates agreed on a Co-facilitators' Merged Text, which will serve as the basis for negotiations at INC-4. The next session of INC is scheduled to take place in Ottawa, Canada, from April 21 to 30, 2024.

The successful conclusion of INC-3 is a major step forward in the development of an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. The instrument has the potential to make a significant contribution to addressing the global plastic pollution crisis.

The third session of the Inter-Governmental Negotiating Committee #INC3 on ending plastic pollution has brought together representatives of more than 170 nations to negotiate what concrete measures should be included in a binding worldwide treaty to end plastic pollution.