Context: At the fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) in Bonn (Germany), world leaders agreed to Global Framework on Chemicals. The framework provides a vision for a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste. The framework has outlined 28 targets that aim to improve the sound management of chemicals and waste. The Global Framework on Chemicals is expected to complement SDGs, Biodiversity Protection and curb plastic pollution.
Strategic Objectives of Global Framework on Chemicals
- Objective A: Legal frameworks, institutional mechanisms and capacities are in place to support and achieve safe and sustainable management of chemicals throughout their lifecycle.
- Objective B: Comprehensive knowledge, data and information are generated, available and accessible to all to enable informed decisions and actions.
- Objective C: Issues of concerns are identified, prioritised and addressed.
- Objective D: Safer alternatives and innovative and sustainable solutions in product value chains are in place to maximise benefit and prevent or minimize risks to human health and environment.
- Objective E: Enhanced implementation occurs through increased and effective resource mobilisation, partnerships, cooperation, capacity-building and integration into all relevant decision-making processes.
Salient features of Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC)
- GFC is a multi-stakeholder approach enabling governments, civil society, industry to support action on the ground.
- Outlines 28 targets that aim to improve the sound management of chemicals and waste.
- Creating a regulatory environment by 2030 to reduce chemical pollution and implement policies to promote safer alternatives.
- Industry has committed to managing chemicals that reduces chemical pollution and adverse impacts by 2030.
- Phasing out of highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture by 2035where risks have not been managed and safer alternatives are available.
- Responsible management of chemicals in various sectors - including industry, agriculture and healthcare.
- Calls for prevention of illegal trade and trafficking of chemicals and waste.
- Implementation of national legal frameworks for frameworks for management of chemicals.
- Enhancement of transparency and access to information regarding chemicals and their associated risks.
- Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) is a successor to the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), which has helped guide use of chemicals in the last 15 years.
- Funding for the implementation of Global Framework on Chemicals: To unlock the implementation of the GCF from different sources, Global Framework on Chemicals Fund will be set up as a voluntary, time-limited, that may include multilateral, bilateral and private sector sources. Global Framework on Chemicals Fund will be administered by UNEP.
Global Framework on Chemicals Fund (GFCF)
- Global Framework on Chemicals Fund is a fund established for supporting Global Framework on Chemicals.
- GFCF will be voluntary, time-limited fund that will accept funding from multilateral, bilateral and private sector sources.
- Support from the GFCF will be provided to developing countries, least developed countries, small island developing states and countries with economies in transition to support the implementation of the Global Framework on Chemicals.
- Administration of the Fund: Executive Director of UNEP will establish and manage a trust fund to support the Global Framework on Chemicals.
Global Alliance on Highly Hazardous Pesticides
This Alliance aims to take effective measures to phase out highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture and where safer and affordable alternatives are available and promote transition to and make available those alternatives.
It is a voluntary multi-stakeholder initiative under auspices of the following organisations: Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), International Labour Organisation (ILO), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and World Health Organisation (WHO).
Objectives of Global Alliance on Highly Hazardous Pesticides
- Raising awareness of human health and environmental impacts of highly hazardous pesticides.
- Identifying and promoting safer and sustainable agricultural practices, including agroecology, integrated pest management and use of non-chemical alternatives.
- Sharing examples of countries having successfully phased out highly hazardous pesticides.
- Supporting low- & middle-income countries to strengthen national regulatory frameworks and phase out highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture and to promote transition to and make available those alternatives.
- Mobilizing support for farmers and agricultural workers in their transition from the use of highly hazardous pesticides.
- Supporting agri-food supply chain in a transition from highly hazardous pesticides to safer and affordable alternatives.