The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution convened in Ottawa, Canada’s capital. The session aims to advance negotiations and finalize the instrument’s text at the fifth session (INC-5) in November.
Agenda of INC-4
- Negotiation Progress: Advancing negotiations to finalize the instrument’s text.
- Intersessional Work: Deciding on informal INC sessions between INC-4 and INC-5 to support text development.
Progress and Prior Rounds
INC-4 follows earlier negotiation rounds:
- INC-1: Punta del Este, November 2022
- INC-2: Paris, June 2023
- INC-3: Nairobi, November 2023
Objectives and Challenges
- Objective: Achieve convergence on eliminating problematic and avoidable plastic uses.
- Challenge: Urgency due to ongoing plastic pollution affecting ecosystems.
Future Sessions and Diplomatic Conference
- INC-5: Planned for Busan, Republic of Korea, in November 2024.
- Diplomatic Conference: Heads of State to sign the agreement after INC-5.
Importance of Multilateral Cooperation
- Role: Multilateral cooperation crucial in providing effective solutions.
- Spirit of Multilateralism: “Together, we are stronger.”
Host Country’s Perspective
Canada emphasizes the significance of a global agreement on plastic pollution by 2024, aligning with its domestic efforts and welcoming international cooperation.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- Where did the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) take place?
- a) Paris
- b) Ottawa
- c) Nairobi
- d) Punta del Este
- Answer: b) Ottawa
- What is the primary aim of INC-4?
- a) Finalizing the instrument’s text
- b) Setting the agenda for future sessions
- c) Hosting regional consultations
- d) None of the above
- Answer: a) Finalizing the instrument’s text
- What is the intended purpose of INC-5?
- a) Hosting a Diplomatic Conference
- b) Convening informal sessions
- c) Signing the agreement
- d) Finalizing negotiations
- Answer: c) Signing the agreement
- According to the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, what is emphasized regarding plastic use?
- a) The necessity of all plastic use
- b) The urgency to reduce all plastic use
- c) The importance of single-use plastics
- d) The insignificance of plastic pollution
- Answer: b) The urgency to reduce all plastic use
- What does the spirit of multilateralism imply?
- a) Individual strength
- b) Collective strength
- c) Competitive nature
- d) Isolationism
- Answer: b) Collective strength