The fifth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) was held in Bonn, Germany. It was organised by United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and hosted by the Government of Germany. More than hundred countries were represented. Among the inter-governmental organizations were FAO, WHO, ILO, UNDP, UNEP, UNIDO, OECD and many others.
In addition, there were a large number of non-governmental and institutional participants. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) was represented by Dr. Bipul Saha, India (IUPAC Executive Board member) and Jean Pelin, France (Titular Member of IUPAC Committee on Chemistry and Industry).
A historic decision to establish the “Global Framework on Chemicals – For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste” was taken. 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 biodiversity loss.
Important Decisions Taken at ICCM5
Adoption of “Global Framework on Chemicals – For a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste”. This will succeed SAICM (Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management). As per GFC (Global Framework on Chemicals):
*The sound management of chemicals and waste is essential for protecting human health and the environment;
*The intent of the framework is to catalyze a transformational shift towards sustainable chemistry in the chemical and downstream sectors in a lifecycle approach, through guiding principles, clear strategic objectives, defined time-bound programmes and initiatives, and measurable targets;
*The Framework will contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and remain relevant for action beyond 2030.
The Vision of GFC is: “A planet free of harm from chemicals and waste for a safe, healthy and sustainable future”.
GFC contains five Strategic Objectives with associated targets:
- Legal frameworks, institutional mechanisms and capacities are in place to support and achieve the safe and sustainable management of chemicals throughout their life cycle.
- Comprehensive and sufficient knowledge, data and information are generated, available and accessible to all to enable informed decisions and actions.
- Issues of concern are identified, prioritized and addressed.
- Safer alternatives and innovative and sustainable solutions in product value chains are in place so that benefits to human health and the environment are maximized and risks are prevented or, where prevention is not feasible, minimized.
- Enhanced implementation occurs through increased and effective resource mobilization, partnerships, cooperation, capacity-building, and integration into all relevant decision-making processes.
Some of the targets under these objectives are:
*By 2030, governments have legal frameworks and institutional capacity to minimize adverse effects from chemicals and waste as appropriate for their national circumstances;
*By 2030, companies implement measures to minimize adverse effects;
*By 2035, stakeholders have taken measures to phase out highly hazardous pesticides.
*By 2035, data and information on the properties of chemicals are accessible;
*Processes and programmes of work are implemented for issues of concern.
*By 2030, companies invest in sustainable chemistry and resource efficiency;
*By 2030, governments implement policies supporting safer and more sustainable agricultural practices;
*By 2030, stakeholders implement occupational health and safety practices and environmental protection throughout the supply chain.
*Financial resources from all sources are mobilized in alignment with the GFC in all sectors;
*By 2030, stakeholders strengthen linkages between chemicals and waste management and other key policies like climate change, biodiversity, human rights, and health.
Adoption of a funding resolution to establish a new voluntary trust fund (UNEP administered Global Framework on Chemicals Fund) with a limited duration to support activities to implement the new Global Framework on Chemicals in developing countries and countries with economies in transition.
Germany pledged €20 million to fund work under the new Framework Programme. France plans to contribute €400,000. A further €2.5 million will be transferred to the new trust fund from the Quick Start Programme (QSP) of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM).
The new Fund would, therefore, have an initial budget of €22,900,000. Delegates agreed to review the Fund’s terms of reference at the first conference under the new Global Framework on Chemicals. All countries and regional economic integration organizations will be invited to contribute as also private sector, foundations and other non-governmental organizations.
Adoption of the Resolution on Highly Hazardous Pesticides, which endorses the establishment of a Global Alliance on Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHP) to take effective action to phase out highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture where risks have not been managed and promote safer multi-stakeholder alternatives under the auspices of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.
The Resolution also calls for raising awareness of HHPs by:
*identifying and promoting safer and more sustainable agricultural practices, including agroecology, integrated pest management and the use of non-chemical alternatives
*Sharing examples of countries that have successfully abandoned HHPs
*Supporting low- and middle-income countries in their efforts to strengthen national regulatory frameworks, phase out HHPs and promote safer alternatives where they do not exist; and supporting farmers and agricultural workers transitioning from HHPs to less hazardous alternatives.
Acknowledgement: Dr. Bipul Saha, IUPAC Executive Board Member; Professor and Advisor, ICACS, Indira Group.
