Over 3,300 delegates, including Members representing more than 170 nations and Observers from more than 440 organizations, including World Bank staff, participated in the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-5) to discuss the adoption of the International Legally Binding Instrument (ILBI) on plastic pollution, in Busan Korea, from November 22 to December 2, 2024.
The World Bank led organization of two strategic events, with the support of Korean Environmental Cooperation (KECO), on prioritized topics within the ongoing INC dialogues and the role of the WBG in INC implementation including:
(i) “Financing Plastic Pollution Management – From Policies to Action” showcased the WBG’s strengths and capacity to support client countries in addressing plastic pollution. The WBG highlighted its robust analytics, innovative financing solutions, and the strategic collaborations, including availability of Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) like PROBLUE, dedicated towards advancing blue economy. These resources enable unlocking of public and private investments for improved plastic management. Representatives from Brazil, the Philippines, Sierra Leone, and Vietnam, and South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), discussed how comprehensive national and regional plans, policy reforms, and infrastructure development can drive significant environmental and economic impact.
(ii) “Beyond Busan: Key Considerations for Implementing the Legally Binding Instrument in Global SIDS” united representatives from the Pacific and Caribbean regions, with experts from the Secretariat for the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to share regional perspectives on plastic pollution. The dialogue underscored the urgent plastic pollution crisis these vulnerable regions face, the unique challenges they encounter in implementing the potential global plastics treaty. Experts emphasized the need for viable financing mechanisms, robust technical and institutional capacity building, tailored technical support and collaborative approaches that can address the needs of these regions.
The WBG also participated in the session “Role of Local Governments and International Cooperation for Plastic-Free Initiatives,” organized by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.
Further, building on a strong partnership over the years, Korean agencies including KECO, Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation and Korea Maritime Institute held bilateral meetings with WBG staff re the plastic agenda and global pollution management.
The KGGTF has supported initiatives that align closely with the goals of the INC-5 process by addressing critical challenges in plastic pollution management. Through projects like identifying riverine and coastal plastics waste solutions in Mekong countries, sustainable solid waste and plastic management in Myanmar and Cambodia, and integrating plastic pollution strategies into Lao PDR's green growth agenda, KGGTF has demonstrated its commitment to fostering innovative, sustainable approaches. These initiatives contribute to reducing plastic waste, improving waste management systems, and advancing policies that support global efforts, such as those discussed at INC-5, to develop a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution.