World Bank Group and the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution Process

Last Updated: Nov 18, 2024

In March 2022, at the resumed fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), a historic resolution 5/14 was adopted to develop an International Legally Binding Instrument (ILBI) on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The instrument is to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic. An Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) has been established, which will meet five times to develop the specific content of the new ILBI by the end of 2024.

This global momentum is matched by the growing business across the World Bank Group --with our mission to support clients tackling plastic pollution with a lifecycle approach, both in the upstream and the downstream. And this is needed as we cannot have a world without poverty in a world with plastics pollution.  

Our Contribution to the INC Process

The World Bank Group has significantly expanded its role since the INC process began, taking the lead in organizing side events on key themes; convening development partners, and bringing in global knowledge and cutting-edge decision support tools. Please review the subsequent tabs to learn more about the World Bank Group’s engagements and support at each specific INC meeting.

Our Comparative Advantage

Relating to the upcoming instrument, the World Bank Group is well-positioned to work with other partners to tackle marine plastics through both catalytic and conventional financing and investments.

Covering all regions, the World Bank Group is engaged in more than 60 countries looking at plastic pollution prevention. The WBG supports countries transitioning to a circular economy and provides technical expertise and policy advice on plastic pollution prevention across many sectors, including tourism, clean energy, agriculture, and transportation.

First, we are investing in data on marine plastics sources, pathways and impacts and working with our clients to track pathways of plastics from land, through rivers, and into coastal waters. For example, we are using innovative drone surveys complemented by field assessments to identify top 10 plastic products in waterways in Cambodia, Philippines, Laos, and Vietnam. Also, case studies in Nigeria and Senegal are helping to identify pollution hotspots and analyze their sources, travel pathways through streams and on land, and overall impact to the coastal environment. The results and recommendations will help contribute to INC discussions relating to definitions, methods, baselines, and data sharing.

Second, we are working on game-changer tools to support policy-making. We have the Plastic Policy Simulator tool –which is a data-driven model for policy analysis to better describe the impacts of different policy instruments and policy packages on individual economic agents and on the plastic value chain at large. We are now developing – in collaboration with other partners –an investment toolkit, which will provide countries with a clear and science-based estimation of how much capital investment will be required to deliver their national action plans to deal with plastic pollution, broken down by types of investments, by year and by asset class.

Third, we are supporting national plastics action plans, roadmaps to phase out single use plastics, and circular economy strategies across a range of countries. These help to identify fiscal and regulatory reforms to improve waste management, expedite the transition to a circular economy, and reduce plastics use. For example, in Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, we have helped the governments to inform the implementation of their National Action Plans; in Mozambique and Malaysia we are supporting assessment of circular economy opportunities; in Bangladesh, we are helping the government develop a plastics life cycle assessment and a roadmap/action plan to reduce marine plastics.

We are also developing – in collaboration with other partners including OECD, UNEP, UNEPFI, and GPAP (WEF) –an investment toolkit called PlastINVEST, which will provide countries with a clear and science-based estimation of how much capital investment will be required to deliver their national actions to deal with plastic pollution, broken down by types of investments, by year and by asset class. It will help bridge the gaps between finance needs and demands, while ensuring alignment with supply.

Fourth, we are mobilizing finance –both for the public sector (through IBRD/IDA financing) and in private sector (through IFC investments). Our investments in plastics are informed by decades of experience pollution and solid waste management. The World Bank is supporting several investments in countries through projects covering many sectors, including solid waste management [e.g. Cambodia and Indonesia], agriculture [such as in China], and further opportunities being identified in fisheries, tourism, river basin projects. With PROBLUE funding allocated as recipient-executed, the Bank is scaling up plastic-related components/activities into operations.

Through IFC, we are also making investments in the private sector, especially in the waste management and recycling industry. For example, IFC invested US$33 million in a recycling facility that will convert used plastic bottles into food-grade, recycled resin that will be sold to the Mexican soft-drinks bottling industry. In addition, joint market studies. In addition, the IFC is also expanding its work in helping to create markets (including on standards); creating opportunities (including partnering with private sector to identify/develop projects; providing technical and investment advice to firms entering new markets) and crystalizing opportunities (including debt and equity financing products).

Finally, we are recognized for our strong convening power, working together partners to have a stronger voice. In the plastics space too, we are relying on unlocking impact through the power of partnerships. Drawing from the proven experiences with ALDFG and Regional Collaboration, we will remain committed to joining efforts with the IFC to bring in the private sector, as well as with other partner agencies and organizations, with the final goal to align with the pace set by Member States and deliver impactful outcomes for their benefit.

Opportunities in ILBI Implementation

The Bank will maintain its commitment to assisting countries in prioritizing and tailoring their policies and plans for action to facilitate compliance with the international legally binding instrument, and its targets and commitments.

Main discussion points at the INCs currently revolve around whether the ILBI will be top-down (globally mandated) or bottom-up (determined by countries). Additionally, negotiating states are debating topics such as primary plastics/polymers of concern, extended producer responsibility, and a possible financing mechanism.

Irrespective of the specific content of its final provisions, implementation of the ILBI will require the adoption of national measures to fulfill the obligations laid out in the instrument. Given its experience and mandate, the World Bank Group has tremendous opportunities to customize support to negotiating countries, in ILBI implementation:

1.       Help Countries Build the Evidence Base through Customized Analytics

While the ILBI will move towards core obligations and targets, an important first step will be for countries to accurately assess their baseline. Through its work with partners on harmonizing methodologies, the World Bank will help countries establish baselines, identify appropriate monitoring systems, and build capacity to measure progress on ending plastic pollution.

Additionally, the Bank could work with other organizations  (including research and academia) to create/ strengthen platforms for data sharing and analytics. Further deep dives in key sectors (beyond packaging) with the IFC would help understand barriers to private sector finance and move towards unlocking new markets in plastics alternatives (upstream) and recycling and plastic waste management (downstream).

2.       Provide Targeted Support to Countries in Prioritizing Policy and Investment Decisions

Ensuring compliance with core obligations agreed on in the ILBI will require countries to individually, and collectively, identify the appropriate combination of policy measures and regulations to suit their country's context. Scaling up the application of the PPS/ PSTE tools in countries will help provide just-in-time decision-support to governments –including trade-offs and scenario planning.

3.       Investments for Governments and Private Sector

As countries move towards actions to tackle plastic pollution, and choose different investment strategies, World Bank financing (and with PROBLUE RETF) can be directed towards the relevant infrastructure and activities. Similarly, the IFC is now expanding its portfolio of investments in the plastics space –and helping to identify possible blue financing.

In addition to the need for national-level investments, the INC discussions have highlighted the importance of regional solutions, given the transboundary nature of plastic pollution. Building on two existing projects in Southeast Asia (Regional Program on Combating Marine Plastics  - SEA-MaP) and in South Asia (Plastic Free Rivers and Seas -PLEASE), we are now exploring new regional programs in West Africa, and in the Pacific Islands.

4.        Potential to serve as an Interim Financing mechanism    

Options being considered at the INC relating to a potential financing mechanism include (a) establishing a dedicated plastics multilateral fund or funds through the new instrument OR (b) Expanding an existing multilateral fund; OR (c) considering a hybrid approach.

In this regard, given the strong experience across providing plastics financing across sectors and countries, the PROBLUE umbrella multi-donor trust fund (administered by the World Bank) has the potential to serve as an interim measure. This would involve entering into a possible arrangement as trustee, host, or other capacity to operationalize plastics-related funds and serve as financial intermediary to address the changing needs of developing country Parties to implement the obligations under ILBI.

This interim arrangement could focus on increasing financial flows from all domestic and international, public, and private sources, towards projects that prevent or reduce emissions and releases to the environment of plastics and plastic products across the life cycle.  It would also provide timely, sustainable, and adequate capacity-building and technical assistance  to developing countries, to assist them in implementing their obligations under the ILBI and to retain such capacity once built.

The World Bank Group (WBG) will participate as an observer in the official negotiations at INC-5, building on progress made at INC-4. The negotiations will focus on finalizing the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.

 The WBG maintains its commitment to supporting countries to implement solutions to plastic pollution through advisory support, policy guidance, and investments on the ground.

World Bank-Led Events

• Beyond Busan – Key Considerations for Implementing the Legally Binding Instrument in Global SIDS (November 27): This session examines how Small Island Developing States (SIDS) can effectively implement the eventual legally binding instrument. The discussion will address financing mechanisms, institutional capacity needs, and technology requirements. Representatives from Caribbean, Pacific, and Sub-Saharan African SIDS will share regional perspectives on advancing implementation beyond Busan.
• Financing Plastic Pollution Management – From Policies to Action (November 27): This session shares insights from the WBG's latest analytical studies and real-world experiences in mobilizing finance for plastic pollution management. Country representatives from different regions will share the practical approaches and lessons learned from their experiences.

Featured Partnership Events

• High-Level Finance Workshop (November 23): The Financing Coordination Group, comprising the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP-FI), the World Economic Forum, the World Bank, OECD, the Circulate Initiative, Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), and the University of Portsmouth, will present a comprehensive workshop on financing the global plastics treaty.
• Ending Plastic Pollution: Accelerating Action to Scale-up Good Practices in Southeast Asia (November 25): The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), and the World Bank will co-host an event on the Korean Government platform "Rethinking Plastic Life" focused on scaling up solutions to end plastic pollution in Asia. The Bank will showcase policy and financing experiences from its projects in Southeast Asia.
• Joint-Brief Session on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Finance for Developing Countries (November 26 and 27): K-eco and World Bank will host two sessions (15:00-16:30 daily) to help developing countries understand, devise, and implement EPR systems in their countries.

Watch this space for more updates.

At INC-4 in Ottawa delegates worked in five subgroups, basing their negotiations on a Revised Zero Draft text compiled at INC-3. Two open-ended working groups (OEWGs) were approved for intersessional work, one on means for implementation; and a second on criteria and non-criteria-based approaches, about plastic products and chemicals of concern in plastic products and product design. Delegates also agreed on the provisional agenda for INC-5 in Busan, Korea in November.

Harnessing outcome-based financing to address plastic pollution: Building on the momentum from INC-3, the World Bank organized another side event on the sidelines of INC-4.  The session showcased the latest findings from analytical studies and real case examples of harnessing outcome-based financing instruments to mobilize finance for tackling plastic pollution. Participants included the Government of the Philippines, PCX Solutions, Verra, rePurpose Global, Earth Action, World Bank, and more.

Private Solutions for Plastic Pollution: This International Finance Corporation (IFC)-led event convened private and public sector leaders to share what drives private companies’ investment decisions and their perspectives on the combination of regulations and financial incentives needed to unlock private investment across the plastic value chain. Small group discussions between public, private and development partners reflected on the specific roles policies, mandates and financial instruments can play under different local contexts. Speakers included PepsiCo (consumer goods), Berry Global (plastic manufacturer), Indorama Ventures PCL (plastic recycler), and Banca Intesa Sanpaolo (financial institution).

Innovative Financing for Scaling Solutions to Combat Plastic Pollution: The event was part of a series of sessions organized by the Government of Canada and was co-organized by the World Bank along with Innovation Alliance for a Global Plastics Treaty. Speakers were from the IFC, Earth Action, rePurpose Global, DeliverZero, government of Indonesia, and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. The event provided valuable insights and experience on various innovative financing mechanisms for scaling solutions to combat plastic pollution. Speakers shared their perspectives from public and private sector and from the government, international financial institution, investor and innovator’s standpoint.

Connecting Captial markets with Plastic Waste Reduction, the World Bank Outcome Bond Experience: This discussion focused on the recently launched $100 million World Bank Plastic Waste Reduction-Linked Bond. It focused on how the plastic credit financing mechanism can channel private sector capital to help achieve plastic treaty objectives. Participants included Citibank, World Bank, Plastic Collective, Verra, ASASE Foundation, and the Government of Ghana.

Drumbeat to INC-4: The team also participated in pre-INC-4 events such as Financing considerations to support an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.

Communications: To support outreach at INC-4, the World Bank and PROBLUE communicated through various platforms and media. The World Bank published a blog  Money matters: Advancing Earth Day’s goals with a global plastics treaty. Event advertising and readouts were shared on PROBLUE LinkedIn. World Bank social media shared various stories and assets, such as the immersive story Unpacking the Plastics Challenge: Using Knowledge, Policies, and Innovation to Improve Lives.

At INC-3 in Nairobi delegates agreed to move towards a revised zero draft to be negotiated during INC-4. The Bank’s support to client countries on plastics-related analytics (including toolkits), policy support, and sectoral investments, closely mirror the priorities articulated by many countries during the negotiations.

Abandoned, Lost, or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG): Building from the PROBLUE Global Forum at INC-2, the Bank organized another side event “Lost at Sea on ALDFG” in partnership with FAO, UNCTAD, IUCN, WWF, GGGI, Ocean Conservancy, and WWF. Attended by over 120 participants from Member States, international organizations, private sector and CSOs, the event discussed concrete actions to prevent and manage fishing gear through its lifecycle, and how the LBI could help address the prevailing gaps in the current international regulatory framework. The draft Joint paper on ALDFG, led by the World Bank was presented.

Regional Cooperation: Recognizing the transboundary nature of plastic pollution, INC-3 discussions saw a growing interest in regional approaches. In partnership with UNEP, the Bank has organized a side event “Beyond Borders: Working Regionally to Tackle Plastic Pollution” in collaboration with UNCTAD, WTO, GGGI, IUCN etc. This session (which included over 60 participants) showcased regional approaches in harmonizing policies (including recycling standards; regulations on SUPs) and creating platforms (including for capacity building, accessing finance) to addressing plastic pollution. From the Bank’s side, team members presented ongoing regional programs such as PLEASE, SEA-MaP, and the upcoming regional work across West Africa.

Expert Answers: The World Bank launched a new episode of Expert Answers, where Anjali Acharya explained the Bank’s role before the INC process and why the ILBI is so significant. 

Toolkits, models, and methodologies: The Bank collaborated in hosting an independent event alongside the University of California, Berkeley, WEF, and SYSTEMIQ, where different (but complementary) toolkits were demonstrated and explained. The session highlighted the significance of aligning tools and converging towards a complementary approach. The Bank presented the Plastic Policy Simulator (PPS) and discussed collaboration with the World Economic Forum’s National Assessment Methodology (NAM) tool, and links to the upcoming PlastInvest tool to support countries in ILBI implementation and more. Bilateral conversations with several client countries revealed strong interest in these tools, and requests for follow-up meetings.

Mobilizing finance, and options for a financial mechanism: The World Bank co-organized an official side event on Means of Implementation and Financial Mechanism with OECD, WEF, WWF, and Rwanda. Discussions revolved around the need to identify and direct financial flows (both public and private sector) to support countries in ILBI implementation. In addition, team members participated in bilateral discussions with UNEP-FI, OECD, World Economic Forum, Ellen McArthur Foundation, on financing (including engagement with private sector).

At INC-2 in Paris, a World Bank delegation moderated a high-level ministerial panel, co-organized an event on financing, and convened a side event on ALDFG.

Abandoned, Lost, or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG): The World Bank and PROBLUE convened the inaugural Global Engagement Forum to discuss solutions for ALDFG. The Forum took place prior to INC-2. The session was held in collaboration with UNEP, FAO, UNCTAD, IUCN, WWF, Ocean Conservancy, GGGI, ICFA, and ICSF, and brought together more than 80 participants (+40 in person, +40 online) from the private sector, government agencies (including Ministries of Environment and of Fisheries), NGOs, and civil society organizations, both virtually and in-person. The event adopted a solutions-oriented approach and fostered collaboration among key stakeholders. It facilitated important discussions on how the ILBI can complement and strengthen existing agreements, regulations, and initiatives in the fishing gear life cycle. A After a series of scene-setting presentations, three breakout group discussions were formed to discuss solutions in different lifecycle stages of fishing gear viz. (i) design and production, (ii) usage, and (iii) end of life. A joint agency paper with the key messages from the event will be prepared in the coming month; and a series of webinars is expected to take place to inform countries and ensure the continuity of the collective efforts in the inter-sessional period towards INC-3.  To learn more about the event and download the presentation slides, visit here.

The World Bank supported and informed the dialogue of the negotiations with an 11-day-long marine plastics social media campaign, which ran from the lead-up to INC-2 through to World Environment Day on June 5th. Take a peek here.

World Bank Global Director Valerie Hickey was interviewed by French newspaper Les Echos, in which she highlighted the specific challenges of low income countries and vulnerable communities.

Additionally, she authored a compelling blog post titled "We Can't Achieve a Poverty-Free World Amidst the Challenges of Plastic Pollution" on the Voices website, calling for solutions that keep in mind the needs and realities of the poorest communities, to ensure a “just transition.”