Press Release

Board View

Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution was held

▷ The first session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee was held in Uruguay to complete negotiations by the end of 2024 


Sejong, December 9 - The first session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-1) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including the marine environment, was held in Punta del Este, Uruguay, from November 28 to December 2, 2022. Over 2,500 participants, including delegates and stakeholders from 160 countries, attended the INC-1 to show the high interest of the international community in the issue. Delegates of the Republic of Korea, comprised of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, and Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, attended the negotiation.

The fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly, which took place in Nairobi, Kenya March 2021, adopted a resolution to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. The INC session on plastic pollution began in the second half of 2022 and is expected to finalize the resolution draft by 2024.


The meeting began with opening remarks and welcoming remarks by Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou, Under-Secretary-General Inger Andersen of the UN Environment Program, and Uruguayan Minister of Environment Adrian Pena, followed by the election of INC chair and members and speeches by national representatives. Participants deeply sympathized with the seriousness of plastic pollution and decided to do their best to finalize the agreement, stressing that there is not much time left until 2024. During the first session of the official negotiation, each government ed its position on the framework and instrument of the agreement and shared opinions on negotiation procedures in the future. In addition, participants discussed the scope, purpose, and structure of the agreement; principal commitments, regulations, voluntary measures, and action plans by country; implementation measures; revision and monitoring of implementation; technological cooperation; and measures for participation of multi-stakeholders. As the UN Environment Assembly resolution calls for a comprehensive response to plastic pollution, addressing the entire life-cycle of plastic from its production to disposal, the Korean delegation urged for an agreement to achieve a circular economy according to this resolution.


The stance of the Korean government on the negotiation is to respond aggressively to global environmental agendas as one of the pivotal global states to protect the environment and the well-being of its citizens. The delegation also promoted Korea's excellent policies on managing resource circulation and marine plastic waste and the nation's competency in making the existing industries more eco-friendly. Additionally, the Korean government stated its will to host the INC-5 in the second half of 2024 to participate actively in and contribute to international efforts to address plastic pollution.

The next session (INC-2) is scheduled for May 2023 in France.



Contact: Seo Young-tae, Director

Resource Circulation Policy Division / +82-(0)44-201-6593


Foreign Media Contact: Chun Minjo(Rachel)

+82-(0)44-201-6055 / rachelmchun@korea.kr