Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution Julio Cordano (Chile) has circulated a roadmap for the work of the Committee in the lead-up to the fourth part of its fifth session (INC-5.4). The roadmap comprises a series of activities and meetings and includes the guiding principles, working modalities, and the way forward on the text.

In a letter dated 16 March 2026, the INC Chair reiterates transparency, inclusivity, and predictability as the guiding principles for the work ahead. Welcoming the efforts of individual INC Members to engage in self-organized informal discussions, especially with Members holding divergent positions, the Chair notes that these interactions are not part of the roadmap.

The roadmap highlights:

• Informal virtual meetings of Heads of Delegation convening every four to six weeks, with the first one held on 12 March to consult on the roadmap, priority areas, and modes of work;
• An informal in-person Heads of Delegation meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, from 30 June to 3 July, with regional meetings and coordination occurring on 29 June;
• A possible informal in-person meeting in the second half of 2026, to engage in solution seeking, explore options, and continue the consideration of the interaction between different elements of the Agreement; and
• INC-5.4, which should take place at the end of 2026 or in early 2027.

The INC Chair further notes that since the Committee does not have a single draft text to work on, the Nairobi meeting will provide “an opportunity to complete a review of all the components in the negotiations.” Thereafter, “an informal reference document could be developed” under the Chair’s authority, assisted by the Secretariat and following consultations with the INC and the Bureau. This working document will aim to reflect the level of progress, outlining clear options but without yet suggesting possible solutions, new ideas, or bridging proposals, according to the letter.

The roadmap indicates that the Bureau will meet frequently to provide timely advice and updates. It also highlights the contributions of Regional Groups and constituencies, as well as those of observers, as essential to the preparation of the Committee’s work.

Regarding modes of work, the INC Chair highlights the importance of pragmatic, flexible, and fit-for-purpose modalities, in full alignment with transparent and inclusive approaches, including, as needed, shuttle diplomacy, focused solutions-oriented consultations, and friends of the Chair.

The Chair also underscores the need to capture progress “towards better refinement of what is needed for [the] negotiations to succeed,” and signals his intention to continue communicating his own reflections on where things stand at different stages of the process.

Cordano was elected to serve as the INC’s new Chair in February. A new Vice Chair and the Rapporteur were also elected. [Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution]