Fri. Mar 29th, 2024
source: Tony Karumba / AFP via Getty Images

On 2nd March 2022, the United Nations Environmental Assembly endorsed to formulate international legally-binding instrument by 2024 to end plastic pollution. The historic decision was taken at the 5th session of UNEA in Nairobi, Kenya and agreed by 175 nations.

What is the resolution?

The United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA) resolution to end plastic pollution establishes an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), which will begin its work from 2022 and is expected to submit a draft agreement by 2024.

It is expected to present a legally- binding instrument and would provide alternatives to the full life cycle of plastic, along with the designs of reusable and recycled products and materials, and the emerging need for international cooperation to facilitate the access of technology and scientific cooperation among the member states.

Moreover, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) will convene an open forum by the end of this year for sharing knowledge and best practices around the globe, which will facilitate the flow of open discussions.

By the end of 2024 and after the completion of INC’s work, UNEP will convoke a diplomatic conference to adopt the result and open it for signatures.

“Today marks a triumph by planet earth single- used plastics. This is the most significant environmental multilateral deal since the Paris accord. It is an insurance policy for this generation and future ones, so they may live plastic and not be doomed by it,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.

“Let it be clear that the INC’s mandate does not grant any stakeholder a two-year pause. In parallel to negotiations over an international binding agreement, UNEP will work with any willing government and business across the value chain to shift away from single-use plastics, as well as to mobilize private finance and remove barriers to investments in research and in a new circular economy,” he added.

As far as India’s stand on this landmark decision is concerned, New Delhi was keen on inserting words like “national circumstances and capabilities” in the text, which is in alignment with its position of common yet differentiated responsibility under the Paris Agreement.

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