Negotiating an internationally legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution including in the marine environment is no easy task.

With approximately 4,000 delegates representing over 170 countries, converging to find common ground through UN processes has posed challenges.

With negotiators starting early and working through to early hours of the morning to collate all perspectives and develop text – many lessons are learnt – including that of the gruelling work entailed to develop a global treaty built upon the spirit of compromise.

For the team of 14 Pacific Small Islands Developing States, their numbers at the fifth intergovernmental negotiating (INC5) committee for the legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution has grown since INC1.

Starting with a small Pacific team, the delegations have grown to ensure better representation in all negotiating areas within the proposed articles of the new internationally legally binding instrument. Amongst the growth include Pacific Islands delegates new to the INC negotiating process.

“I was still trying to find my way at my first INC which was the fourth in Canada, but here at the Fifth Session I have much more confidence,” said Darla Yatilman of the Federated States of Micronesia.

“For first time negotiators in any global negotiations of the multilateral environment agreements I would say to come prepared. Get healthy and fit and learn as much as you can about your national positions. You must be active in the negotiation space – moving from room to room, travelling long distances at times and spending late nights negotiating. Be as fit and as mentally prepared as you can.”

Darla was one of several Pacific Islands negotiators that engaged for the first time across the period of five INC’s which led us to spend time with more of the experienced negotiators to share their wealth of experience. We learnt more from them about what they wish someone had told them before they entered the negotiations space of Multilateral Environment Agreements for the first time.

“Negotiations are most effective when approached with an open mind. Members in any negotiation will naturally have different priorities and interests. Some of these will align with your goals and create opportunities for collaboration, while others may seem incompatible at first. Rather than dismissing conflict interests outright, treat them as a chance to explore creative solutions. Recognise that understanding the reasons behind differing interests can reveal common ground or alternative pathways.”- said Josephine Moote, Kiribati.

“I’d say that you do learn on the job as well, and it can be very fast paced space with things changing so quickly so you need to always be up to date with what is happening around you. That always helps,” saidTau Jurgen, Samoa.

“Prepare yourself properly to understand the basics of what’s happening and how it impacts economies, ecologies and all our ecosystems. Make connections both inside and outside of the negotiations rooms and ask as many questions as you can. Also remember that things don’t always happen just in the negotiation rooms – make sure you network in the corridors also,” said Tatryanna Utanga, Cook Islands.

“It’s important to take care of yourself in the work you do, to take care of others. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of others. Burnout is real. Especially when you’re particularly committed to the work that you’re doing. So be kind to yourself,” said Clement Yow Mulalap, Federated States of Micronesia.

“I’d recommend that you have a look through other relevant Multilateral Environment Agreements like the Minamata Convention, the Basel Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change – other declarations that may be interlinked. Knowing about those can help prepare you in your UN Negotiations.” said Richardo Colmar, Vanuatu.

With a wealth of knowledge across our Pacific Islands negotiators based upon their experiences, we also listened to those that entered the MEA negotiations space for the first time.

We go back to a new negotiator in the INC5 space, attending her first INC. Claytoncy Taurarii works to implement waste activities at the national level in the Cook Islands. Participating at the global level where decisions are made that lead to work on the ground at home has been a new experience for her. She shares her lessons learnt with us.

“I would say, don’t be scared. We all have great teams with us so bounce ideas off them and learn as much as you can from those that have a deep understanding of the issue and how this began. They can give guidance and help you build your confidence so you engage as well as you can for your country,” said Taurarii.

“You can do this; we can all do this for our future generations.”

The fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment is taking place in Busan, Republic of Korea, from 25 November to 1 December 2024.

The Pacific Islands are represented by the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu through the support of the Government of Australia and the United Nations.

This story was originally published at SPREP on 02 December 2024, reposted via PACNEWS.