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.

Just a day after the conclusion of the United Nations’ annual climate conference in Azerbaijan, diplomats began convening in Busan, South Korea, for a separate bout of discussions — this time over plastics.

The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-5), opened today in Busan,