Successful On-Site Inspection for the 5th Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee Meeting on the 'UN Plastic Treaty'

December 12-15 at BEXCO, Participation of UN Officials, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Environment, etc.

Expectations to Fully Meet Maximum Standards Including Extensive Experience in Hosting International Events

Busan City successfully completed an on-site inspection at BEXCO from the 12th to the 15th to prepare for the 5th Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee of the UN Plastic Treaty.

On-site inspection for the 5th Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee meeting of the UN Plastic Treaty.

This on-site inspection was arranged to review the meeting infrastructure and administrative matters of the host region with related organizations to ensure the successful hosting of the 5th Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee of the UN Plastic Treaty, which will be held at BEXCO for seven days from November 25 to December 1.

The UN Plastic Treaty Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC, Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment) is an intergovernmental negotiation body organized to create a legally binding international agreement on plastic pollution, including marine plastics, in accordance with the resolution of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA), the highest decision-making body under the UN Environment sector.

Starting with the 1st Negotiating Committee held in Punta del Este, Uruguay, in November 2022, followed by the 4th Negotiating Committee in Canada this April, the 5th Negotiating Committee will be held in Korea this November. The 5th session is planned to finalize the international agreement. Approximately 3,000 participants from over 160 countries are expected to attend the 5th Negotiating Committee.

The on-site inspection included officials from the city, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP, an international intergovernmental organization dedicated to environmental activities within the UN system), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Environment.

UNEP officials inspected the conference venue and security measures and communicated the UN-related standards to the city. They also discussed administrative matters such as hiring local staff and facilities around the venue, including nearby accommodations and transportation.

The city explained that, given its extensive experience in hosting international events, large-scale accommodation facilities, and excellent meeting infrastructure, it expects to meet the UN’s standards to the greatest extent possible.

Lee Byung-seok, Director of the Environmental Policy Office of Busan City, stated, “We will work closely with related ministries such as UNEP, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Environment to ensure the successful hosting of the 5th Negotiating Committee.” He added, “Through this, our city will demonstrate its role as a global hub leading international efforts to end plastic pollution and transition to a circular economy. In particular, if the international agreement is finalized in Busan through the 5th Negotiating Committee, it will greatly help solidify Busan’s position as an international environmental city.”