India Stands Firm on Plastic Pollution Agreement | Insists on Consensus

India Stands Firm on Plastic Pollution Agreement | Insists on Consensus

Introduction: 📑🖊️

India has made its stance clear regarding an international legally binding agreement on plastic pollution: it will only lend its support if it is reached through full consensus. 

This firm position was reiterated by India's delegation during the recent Fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on plastics, highlighting the country's commitment to multilateral decision-making processes. 

The discussions, however, have encountered stumbling blocks, particularly concerning primary plastic polymers, chemicals of concern, and trade.

Stumbling Blocks in Negotiations:📑

According to the International Institute of Sustainable Development, disagreements persist among parties involved in the negotiations, particularly regarding primary plastic polymers, chemicals, and trade. 

These unresolved issues pose challenges to the drafting of a comprehensive global treaty aimed at addressing the full lifecycle of plastics, from production to disposal, and promoting sustainable production and consumption practices.

INC Meetings and Future Outlook: 🫥

The INC meetings serve as a platform for negotiating the contours of a draft global treaty on plastic pollution. 

The objective is to finalize the text of the instrument by the fifth session scheduled for November. 

The upcoming INC-5 meeting in Busan, South Korea, marks the culmination of the negotiation process and will be followed by a diplomatic conference where heads of state will sign the agreement.

India's Call for Consensus: 😰

India has emphasized its commitment to consensus-based decision-making during the negotiations. It sought assurance from the INC chair that voting would not be invoked, stressing the importance of fairness, equity, and inclusiveness in multilateral decision-making processes. 

The chair assured India that discussions would be conducted in the spirit of cooperation and consensus.

Opposition to Voting Option:🙅💦

Several countries, including Russia, China, UAE, and Cuba, have opposed the option of voting, advocating for a consensus-driven approach. 

Experts argue that a consensus-based system allows member states to veto decisions, ensuring a more inclusive process compared to majority voting.

Challenges and Need for Clarity:🤷

Key terms such as "life-cycle approach" and "problematic plastic" lack clear definitions and consensus, hindering progress in negotiations. 

Stakeholders have emphasized the importance of establishing robust definitions to facilitate agreement on critical issues.

Concerns Raised by Experts:🙋

Reports from organizations such as the International Institute of Sustainable Development and the Centre for Science and Environment highlight concerns about increasing oil and gas production for polymers and the reluctance of certain countries to reduce primary plastic polymer production and phase out single-use plastics. 

These issues underscore the complexity of addressing plastic pollution on a global scale.

Conclusion: 📃🖊️

India's insistence on consensus-based decision-making reflects its commitment to fair and inclusive negotiations aimed at addressing the pressing issue of plastic pollution. 

While challenges persist, stakeholders remain optimistic about the prospects of reaching a comprehensive agreement to promote sustainable plastic management practices globally.

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