Participants from Greenpeace, a nongovernmental organization, call for a strict plastic reduction treaty, holding the "WeAreWatching" flag showing the shape of an eye at Suyeongman Bay Yachting Center in Busan, as the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee kicks off, Monday. Yonhap

BUSAN — The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) began in Busan on Monday amid growing concerns that the outcome may result in a "framework convention" due to persistent disagreements among countries.

On the opening day, government delegations from U.N. member states, international organizations and other stakeholders convened to discuss the agenda for developing a legally binding global treaty to tackle plastic pollution, including its impact on marine environments.

For the opening of the plenary session, President Yoon Suk Yeol provided a congratulatory remark recorded on video calling for the international community to finalize a legally binding instrument at INC-5.

"Reaching an agreement at this meeting will send a powerful message of hope and courage to the world that we can unite to overcome any challenge," Yoon said.

He expressed hopes that member states would negotiate with a sense of responsibility for future generations and work toward opening a historic chapter by finalizing the treaty.

"The most important thing is that the international community must unite in its determination to establish a binding global agreement on plastic pollution," he said.

Highlighting Korea's commitment to global sustainability efforts, Yoon pledged to expand green official development assistance and position the country as a "hub state," aiming to bridge gaps between nations in addressing plastic pollution.

Environment Minister Kim Wan-seop delivers congratulatory remarks during the opening plenary session of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) at BEXCO in Busan, Monday. Courtesy of Ministry of Environment

Environment Minister Kim Wan-seop also underscored the importance of developing a legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution, stressing that the health of the planet and the well-being of future generations depend on the outcome of the negotiations.

"The health of our planet and future generations depend on what we accomplish here," he said. "We must demonstrate flexibility, make compromises and find common ground to ensure a result we can all be proud of for future generations."

Kim reiterated the urgency of the issue, expressing hope that the negotiations in Busan would serve as a pivotal milestone in the fight against plastic pollution.

"We must end plastic pollution before plastic pollution ends us," he said.

Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, stressed the severe impact of plastic pollution, which she said operates on a different timescale.

She explained that some plastics can take up to 1,000 years to decompose.

"Even then, they break down into ever smaller particles that persist, pervade and pollute," she said.

Andersen detailed how plastic pollution harms natural systems, reducing ecosystem resilience, obstructing urban drainage systems and complicating efforts to adapt to climate change.

"This is why public and political pressure for action has risen to a crescendo," Andersen said, highlighting the urgency of negotiation regarding a legally binding treaty.

Luis Vayas, left, the chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, speaks during a press briefing at BEXCO in Busan, Monday. Yonhap

Meanwhile, significant divisions remain among countries — particularly oil-producing nations like Iran and Saudi Arabia — over regulations on plastic production.

These countries opposed imposing limits on producing primary polymers, raw materials derived from fossil fuels used to make plastics. They said negotiations should be continued based on outcomes from the previous INC session held in Canada in April.

Concerns persist that the session may fail to produce a detailed and specific treaty. Some warn that the outcome could result in a broad agreement outlining general principles rather than enforceable measures.

Luis Vayas, the chair of INC and Ecuador's ambassador to the United Kingdom, released a non-paper on Oct. 30.

Discussions on whether to adopt the non-paper as the agenda for the final round of negotiations remained ongoing on the first day.

Vayas expressed optimism that the negotiations would reach a successful conclusion, according to an environment ministry official.

He also proposed that each member state adopt autonomous measurements aligned with sustainable production and consumption practices.

During a press briefing, Kim emphasized that Korea supports a step-by-step approach to plastic regulation, rather than imposing uniform measures.

Regarding concerns over the outcome's potential lack of specificity, Kim revealed that officials have proposed an annex adding to the chair's non-paper.

"It aims to phase out unnecessary plastics, like single-use forks, through detailed guidelines while considering differing global perspectives," he said.

Additionally, Kim highlighted the environment ministry's effort to share advanced waste management and tracking systems with developing nations. The initiative aims to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks in these countries, contributing to global efforts to combat plastic pollution.

The INC-5 negotiations will continue through Sunday, with the outcome likely shaping the next phase of global efforts to combat plastic pollution.