Geneva, Switzerland | 7 February 2026 — Action Lab for Development participated in the third part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.3) on plastic pollution, convened by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at the Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG).
The organisation was represented by Isadora Watson, Social Media Coordinator, UN Online Volunteer, and official delegate of Action Lab for Development. Isadora’s participation ensured that civil society and development-focused perspectives were present during a critical procedural phase of the global negotiations toward ending plastic pollution.
INC-5.3 is part of an ongoing UN-mandated process to develop an internationally legally binding instrument to prevent plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee has convened since 2022 in Uruguay, France, Kenya, Canada, South Korea, and Switzerland, bringing together governments, UN bodies, and non-state actors to shape a comprehensive global response to plastic pollution across its full life cycle.
Once finalised, the agreement will be signed by the UN Secretary-General in New York and adopted by all UN Member States, establishing a global framework to address one of the most pressing environmental and development challenges of our time.
New Leadership Elected
INC-5.3 was an elective session, primarily focused on organisational matters, including the election of new leadership for the negotiating process. During the session, Member States elected Ambassador Julio Cordano of Chile as the new Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee. The Committee also elected Linroy Christian of Antigua and Barbuda as Vice-Chair, supporting balanced regional representation.
The election of new leadership marks a key procedural milestone, enabling negotiations to move forward and reinforcing international commitment to reaching an ambitious and effective global agreement on plastic pollution.
Given the procedural nature of the session, Action Lab for Development nominated a single delegate to represent the organisation’s management, rather than its usual five-member delegation.
Commitment to Environmental Justice and Sustainable Development
Action Lab for Development’s participation in INC-5.3 reflects its continued commitment to environmental justice, sustainable development, and inclusive global decision-making. Plastic pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable communities and ecosystems, particularly in the Global South, making strong, enforceable international action essential.
This engagement, alongside Action Lab for Development’s other initiatives, complements the organisation’s mission to advance inclusive and sustainable development by strengthening civic participation, promoting environmental justice, and supporting locally grounded solutions to global challenges. Through active engagement in international policy spaces, Action Lab for Development continues to bridge grassroots action with global decision-making to help shape a more just and sustainable future.
For more information on INC-5.3 and the global plastics treaty process, visit:
https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution/session-5.3