Global talks progress on science-policy panel for chemicals, waste, pollution prevention
By CCN News | Published: June 22, 2024
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Governments in Geneva have advanced talks to establish a science-policy panel on chemicals, waste, and pollution prevention, agreeing to continue negotiations to refine the proposal for this body, similar to the IPCC and IPBES.
Discussions took place during the third session of an ad hoc open-ended working group (OEWG), mandated by the UN Environment Assembly in 2022 (UNEA-5). Further negotiations are scheduled before an intergovernmental meeting aimed at establishing the panel.
The new panel aims to provide science-based guidance to address critical issues such as lead exposure, air pollution, antimicrobial resistance, and solid waste mismanagement, which collectively cause an estimated 9 million deaths annually worldwide.
Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of UNEP's Industry and Economy Division, emphasized the panel's potential in collaborating with governments, businesses, farmers, and other stakeholders to enhance chemical management, reduce waste, and prevent pollution. She expressed UNEP's commitment to assisting countries in addressing waste and pollution challenges.
During the negotiations from 17 to 21 June, governments deliberated on the panel's functions, operational principles, scope, objectives, composition, governance, and the role of an Interdisciplinary Expert Committee. UNEP's Major Groups, representing diverse sectors including civil society, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and industry, advocated for robust engagement mechanisms to ensure the panel's outcomes contribute effectively to scaling solutions for priority environmental issues.
The urgency to strengthen the science-policy interface for chemicals, waste, and pollution action prompted UNEA's decision in March 2022 to establish the science-policy panel. Chaired by Ms. Gudi Alkemade of the Netherlands, the OEWG was tasked by UNEP to formulate proposals for this panel, with previous sessions held in Bangkok and Nairobi in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
The final proposal from the OEWG will be presented for consideration at the 2025 intergovernmental meeting convened by the Executive Director of UNEP to formally establish the science-policy panel.
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