Global Framework on Chemicals

The International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) was held in Bonn, Germany from 25-29 September, 2023. It was organized by United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and hosted by the Government of Germany. Mr. Jean Pelin, Titular member on the Committee on Chemistry and Industry (COCI) and Dr. Bipul Saha, COCI and Bureau member, represented IUPAC in the Conference.

Delegates from more than 150 countries, representatives from United Nations, OECD, World Bank, World Economic Forum, WHO, Pure Earth, IUPAC, IPEN (International Pollutants Elimination Network), IOMC (Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals), German NGO Forum for Environment and Development, Friends of the Earth, International Labour organization, CEOs of Chemical Companies and many others participated in the discussion.

During the Conference several groups had their internal meetings. This included regional meetings of EU, Africa, GRULAC (Group of Latin America and the Carribean), Asia and the Pacific, and also meetings of WHO Health Sector, NGOs, labour organizations, private sector and others.

A unique international negotiating process—where representatives from governments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, intergovernmental organizations, youth, and academia participated at the same level—resulted in the historic decision to establish the “Global Framework on Chemicals – For a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste.” (see UN News https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/09/1141717, and UNEP https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/global-framework-agreed-bonn-sets-targets-address-harm-chemicals-and)

Based around 28 targets, the framework outlines a roadmap for countries and stakeholders to collaboratively address the lifecycle of chemicals, including products and waste.

“Everyone on this planet should be able to live and work without fear of falling sick or dying from chemical exposure. Nature, free from pollution, should be able to thrive and support humanity for millennia to come,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). “This is why this framework provides a vision for a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste, for a safe, healthy and sustainable future.”

With the adoption of the Global Framework on Chemicals, “Pollution and Waste”, is recognized at the same level as the crises of climate change and nature and biodiversity loss, which already have frameworks in place.

In addition to the Global Framework on Chemicals, ICCM5 participants adopted the Bonn Declaration, in which they committed to “prevent exposure to harmful chemicals, and phase out the most harmful ones, where appropriate, and enhance the safe management of such chemicals where they are needed.”

They also expressed their will to “actively promote and support transitions to circular economies, including through the development of safe chemical and non-chemical alternatives and substitutes, which protect health and the environment, and lead to reduced waste, recycling free from harmful chemicals, and efficient resource utilization.”

A decision was made to unlock financing for the implementation of the framework from different sources. Germany, the president of ICCM5, pledged EUR 20 million to this fund, which will be administered by UNEP.

During ICCM5, a number of side events were organized during lunch break and after official meeting hours. These included:

1. CropLife’s Sustainable Pesticide Management Framework—an integrated approach to Chemicals Management (organized by BASF, Bayer, Corteva, FMS, Sumitomo Chemicals and Syngenta)

2. Pathways toward a Sustainable and Climate-friendly Production and Use of Chemicals

3. Climate Friendly Fertilizer Production and Application

4. Sustainable Management of Fluorinated Gases – Best Practices and Success Stories

5. Effective Implementation of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals

6. WHO Chemical Road Map – Poison Centres saving lives and health sectors

7. Diisocyanate Training for Safe Use and Handling – A unique example of cooperation between authorities, academia and industry

8. Advancing chemicals and waste management in economic and industry sectors along value chains: A key dimension of integrated chemicals and waste management under the Beyond 2020 Framework

9. A World Free of Lead Poisoning: How do we get there?

10. Promoting Sustainable Chemistry: Fostering Non-Toxic Material Cycles and Circular Economy

11. Achieving a positive Cost-benefit from green chemistry with effective multi-stakeholder partnership

12. Advancing a human rights-based approach to accelerate the sound management of chemicals and waste for people and the planet

13. Building capacity for climate action in chemical value chains in developing countries and emerging economies

14. Sustainable Chemicals and Materials policy for Protecting the Climate and Biodiversity

15. Opportunities for the financial sector to advance a global transition to sustainable chemistry organized by UNITAR

16. ISC3 Investor Forum 2023 and Innovation pitches organized by International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3). In this program, winners of the Innovative Ideas from all over the world presented their work to Funding agencies

There were a number of exhibitors who had set up their booth in ICCM5 Conference. This includes:

1. IOMC (Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals)

2. WHO

3. ICCA (International Council of Chemical Associations)

4. Responsible Care

5. Chemicals and Waste – Youth Platform by International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3)

6. UNICEF

7. International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN)

8. Women and Gender

ICCM meetings have led to the development and adoption of various important documents and initiatives, such as the Dubai Declaration, the Overarching Policy Strategy, and the Global Chemicals Outlook reports. These outcomes have contributed to advancing chemical safety and management worldwide. ICCM discussions have encompassed a wide range of global challenges, including the management of hazardous chemicals, the reduction of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), the promotion of safer alternatives, and the integration of chemicals management into sustainable development goals.

ICCM is closely associated with the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). SAICM is a policy framework developed to promote the sound management of chemicals throughout their life cycle. The ICCM meetings serve as a platform for reviewing progress and setting priorities within the SAICM framework.

The Committee on Chemistry and Industry (COCI) continue to build a strong relationship between SAICM, Global Framework on Chemicals and IUPAC through various projects.

For more information and comments, contact Task Group Chair Bipul Saha <drbsaha@rediffmail.com> https://iupac.org/project/2023-030-1-022/