The 5th International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5), which concluded on 30th September in Bonn (Germany), adopted a comprehensive global framework that sets concrete targets and guidelines for key sectors across the entire lifecycle of chemicals.
- The participants decided to establish the “Global Framework on Chemicals – for a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste.”
- Based around 28 targets, the framework outlines a roadmap for countries and stakeholders to collaboratively address the lifecycle of chemicals, including products and waste.
Key highlights of Global Framework on Chemicals
- It calls for the prevention of the illegal trade and trafficking of chemicals and waste, the implementation of national legal frameworks.
- Governments have committed to creating, by 2030, the regulatory environment to reduce chemical pollution and implement policies to promote safer alternatives.
- Industry has committed to managing chemicals in a way that reduces chemical pollution and adverse impacts by 2030.
- The framework calls for, by 2035, a phase out of highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture where the risks have not been managed and safer alternatives are available.
- There is a target on strengthening links between the new instrument and the climate, biodiversity, human rights and health agendas.
- A dedicated trust fund will be set up and managed by the United Nations Environment Programme. Germany, the president of ICCM5, pledged EUR 20 million to this fund.
Bonn Declaration
- 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 .
