Excerpts from an interview of Mrs, Jyoti Mathur- Filipp, Executive Secretary of the INC on Plastic Pollution and Head Secretariat, UNEP by Dr. Arvind Kumar, Editor, Focus Global Reporter
Mrs. Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the INC on Plastic Pollution and Head of the Secretariat. Prior to this assignment, Mrs. Mathur-Filipp served as Director at the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. She has also held key roles in inter-governmental processes, leading the work on the new Global Biodiversity Framework. With over 25 years of experience in international environmental diplomacy, she possesses extensive knowledge in environment, climate and sustainable development networks. She began her career with UNDP and managed ground-breaking partnerships. Her diverse roles include consulting for UNFCCC and senior advisory positions at UNDP. Mrs. Mathur-Filipp holds an MSc and MBA and is an alumnus of esteemed educational institutions.
EDITOR: Plastics have been mass-produced for more than seven decades and are now embedded in nearly every aspect of daily life. But which types of plastics are the most polluting and what are their impacts on the environment and human health?
MRS. FILIPP: Plastic pollution is a growing global crisis, affecting ecosystems, economies, and communities across land, freshwater, and oceans. Among the most problematic are single-use plastics, which are designed to be discarded after one use and are often mismanaged, contributing significantly to environmental leakage.
Plastic packaging is especially prevalent and rapidly increasing in volume, while microplastics—tiny particles formed from degraded plastics or intentionally added to products like cosmetics—are now found in air, food, water, and even human bodies. Though the full health effects are still under study, global concern is rising.
UNEA Resolution 5/14 recognizes the urgency of the issue and explicitly includes single-use plastic products within its scope. Without intervention, plastic leakage into the environment is projected to grow by 50% by 2040.
EDITOR: With all the threats that plastic pollution poses, why has there been no international agreement on the proper use and disposal of plastics before?
MRS. FILIPP: Plastics have long supported global development due to their versatility and affordability, leading to widespread and increasing use across many sectors. As evidence of pollution mounted, an environmental crisis became evident and global action was required.
In response, UN Member States adopted Resolution 5/14 in 2022 at the United Nations Environment Assembly, initiating the Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee (INC) to develop an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution, based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic.
EDITOR: The INC process began in 2022 with the aim of concluding negotiations on a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution by the end of 2024. Can you outline the key milestones achieved so far and what remains to be accomplished before the process concludes?
MRS. FILIPP: Since the adoption of Resolution 5/14 in 2022, countries have engaged in a fast-tracked, multilateral process to develop a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution. In a short time span, five negotiating sessions have been held under the INC, reflecting strong global commitment.
Progress has been made through inclusive dialogue involving governments and stakeholders such as scientists, industry, and civil society. At the first part of the fifth session (INC-5.1) in Busan, the Committee agreed on a “Chairs Text” that will serve as the starting point of negotiations when the session resumes. As the process moves toward its conclusion at the second part of the fifth session (INC-5.2) in Geneva this August, key issues remain under discussion.
EDITOR: Drawing on your extensive experience in environmental diplomacy and multilateral agreements, what lessons from previous international negotiations (such as the Convention on Biological Diversity) have informed your approach to leading the INC Secretariat?
MRS. FILIPP: The INC Secretariat, in its role as a facilitator, has supported Members of the Committee by drawing on lessons from past multilateral environmental processes. These include ensuring transparency, enabling inclusive participation, and grounding discussions in science. While respecting the intergovernmental nature of the negotiations, the Secretariat has worked to create and support a process that is informed by experience, yet open to innovation—supporting delegations as they work toward an agreement.
From my time working on the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), it’s clear that effective multilateral agreements depend on three things: inclusive processes, holistic approaches, and collaborative implementation. The CBD showed us the value of engaging all voices—from Indigenous Peoples to scientists—and of grounding solutions in the full lifecycle of environmental challenges.
EDITOR: The first part of the fifth session (INC-5.1) in Busan concluded with the adoption of a ‘Chair’s Text’ as the basis for further negotiations. What are the main elements of this text, and how does it reflect the progress made by the Committee?
MRS. FILIPP: The Chair’s Text published at INC‑5.1 reflects continued progress in the negotiations. The text organizes views submitted by Members into a streamlined format, covering the plastic lifecycle, and provides a starting point for further discussion. It enables delegations to focus on key areas where further agreement is needed ahead of and during the resumed session – INC-5.2.
EDITOR: The negotiations have considered both binding and voluntary approaches. What are the main considerations the Committee is weighing when deciding on the balance between these approaches?
MRS. FILIPP: Binding and voluntary approaches are being considered by Members, who lead the negotiations. Decisions on the structure and legal nature of the instrument remain fully within their mandate.
EDITOR: The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) is meeting in Geneva in August 2025 for its second part of the fifth session. What are the key elements to be discussed and how do they address the root causes of plastic pollution?
MRS. FILIPP: The job of this treaty was always to spark big changes – to catalyse systemic change. At INC-5.2, there is an expectation to deliver on the vision of the UNEA Resolution 5/14, and agree on an instrument that spells the end for plastic pollution.
EDITOR: How does the INC Secretariat plan to support countries, especially developing nations, in preparing for the implementation of the future treaty once it is adopted?
MRS. FILIPP: Once the instrument is adopted and eventually enters into force, the next crucial step will be ensuring its timely and effective implementation; but of course, we should all be working now to prepare for implementation.
There will be a need to support countries—particularly developing nations—through efforts such as technical assistance, knowledge sharing, monitoring and evaluation, facilitating access to finance, and coordination mechanisms.
After the treaty is adopted, only then will decisions follow such as the establishment of a Secretariat.
EDITOR: What’s the key message behind all this process that pertains to plastic pollution?
MRS. FILIPP: This process is about enabling countries to come together to develop a global solution that properly addresses plastic pollution across its full lifecycle, in a way that is inclusive, science-based, and implementable for all.
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