Document kmJaJraxnkB9KDxayRedorNbB

Outcome of the 5th session of the International Conference on Chemicals management (ICCM5) and the High Level Segment - Boon, 2529/09/2023 The adoption of the new Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) - for a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste and the Boon Declaration (deliberate by ministers, heads of delegation and stakeholders leaders) took place on 30/09 at 8:26 AM - 8 years after the launch of the intersessional process to prepare the recommendations. The scope of the GFC covers the life cycle of chemicals, including products and waste. The aim is to prevent or, where prevention is not feasible, minimize harm from chemicals and waste to protect the environment and human health, including that of vulnerable groups and workers. It supports innovation to provide better products that are safer and sustainable by design and advance sustainable consumption and production patterns, including through resource efficiency and circular economy approaches. The GFC is voluntary, multistakeholder (e.g governments, intergovernmental organizations, civil society, industries, the financial sector, academia, workers and retailers) and multisectoral in nature (e.g agriculture, environment, health, education, finance, development, construction and labour). It complements other international agreements (e.g Conventions BRS, Minamata) and is flexible enough to take account of new instruments (e.g on plastics). Components of the GFC - A Core text including 5 strategic objectives and 28 targets (e.g on export prohibition - strongly defended by BE). The deadlines match the 2030 Agenda except for 3 timeless targets related to the implementation of PoW for IoC or financial considerations. A later deadline (i.e 2035) was agreed for 6 targets (e.g on the phase-out of HHPs to accommodate India and Iran). - 3 annexes on Issues of Concern - IoC (annex A), Principles and approaches (annex B) and a Measurability structure (annex C, which illustrates the different categories of indicators that may be used to track progress and impact of the GFC (these indicators will have to be developed during the intersession and consider for adoption at the next conference) ; - 12 resolutions including on the launch of a Global Alliance on Highly Hazardous Pesticides -HHPs (with a goal of taking effective measures to phase out HHPs in agriculture) and on International Cooperation and Coordination in which the Conference stresses the importance of establishing a Science-Policy Panel and the legally binding instrument on plastic pollution and requests the Secretariat to prepare a report on interlinkages and opportunities for enhanced collaboration with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Some targets of interest to BE (section V of the core text) - A5: By 2030, governments work towards notifying or regulating or prohibiting the export of chemicals they have prohibited nationally, in line with their international obligations. o N.B: Agreement at 3 AM after tough negotiations. Its ambition (i.e prohibition) was diluted by US, UK and India. - A6: By 2030, countries have access to poison centers equipped with essential capabilities to prevent and respond to poisonings as well as access to training on chemical risk prevention and clinical toxicology. - A7: By 2035, stakeholders have taken effective measures to phase out HHP in agriculture where the risks have not been managed and safer and affordable alternatives are available; and to promote transition to and make available those alternatives o N.B: Agreement at 9 PM after tough negotiations. Its ambition (i.e phaseout) was reduced by Indonesia, India and crop Life. - B6: By 2030, governments have implemented the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) in all relevant sectors as appropriate for their national circumstances. - B7: By 2030, stakeholders generate and share monitoring data on chemicals concentrations and exposure in humans, biota and the environment, disaggregated by relevant health determinants. - D2: By 2030, governments implement policies that encourage production using safer alternatives and sustainable approaches throughout the life-cycle, including best available techniques, green procurement and circular economy approaches. Financial considerations (section IX of the core text) The proposal of ICCA to establish a hub where donors (including private sector) could find projects to sponsor in order to increase capacity building, while also creating a database of projects funded was withdrew during the closing plenary as many stakeholders expressed concerns about limited capacities of the Secretariat to host this hub as well as possible overlaps in funding sources. The 3 pillars* of the Integrated Approach adopted in 2014 by UNEA resolution 1/ to address the financing of the sound management of chemicals and wastes has been heavily debated. It was recognized that they are equally important and mutually reinforcing and stakeholders are requested to take steps to implement them. *Mainstreaming, Private-sector involvement and the controversial topic of dedicated external finances which includes funding from the UNEP Special Programme (SP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). GRULAC and the African group were very vocal about requesting a new specific fund, but the main position of the WEOG region was that a new fund (with an administrative burden) does not mean there will be increased funding. A compromise was reached to establish like a new Quick Start Programme named the Global Framework on Chemicals Programme: time-limited, voluntary, with provisional ToR (so timelimitation could be reviewed at the next conference), open to contributions of private sector, with remaining funds of the 1st QSP (+/- 2 mil). A compromise was also reached on including a needs assessment, as asked by GRULAC & the African group. The secretariat is tasked, in collaboration with the InterOrganization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) and all relevant stakeholders, to assess the existing financial and investment flows as well as financial needs associated with the implementation of the Framework, including information on domestic accounting and costs of inaction. This assessment could inform stakeholders discussions at the next session of the Conference. The resolution also encourages the Member States of UNEP to consider reviewing the terms of reference of the UNEP SP to support institutional strengthening at the national level for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, the Minamata Convention and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management at its next session, taking into consideration the need for the implementation of the Framework. Remains to be seen if this will be submitted as a resolution for UNEA-6. The proposal of the African Group (supported by GRULAC and several NGOs) to establish a "globally coordinated fee" on basic feedstock chemicals that would feed a standalone fund was also a topic of much debate and no consensus was found. Measurability structure (annex C of the GFC) An open-ended ad hoc group on measurability and indicators has been established to prepare recommendations for the finalisation of the measurability framework and propose a set of indicators for annex C for consideration by ICCM6. The group will work by electronic means and will be supported by the secretariat. United Nations Statistical Commission and other relevant stakeholders will be invited to participate and support the development of the measurability structure, considering relevant indicators from the "Inventory and analysis report: existing indicators on chemicals and waste management" Next steps The 1st international conference of the GFC will take place in 2026 with a preparatory OEWG meeting in 2025 to i.a : - consider indicators; - consider implementation programmes - consider a recommendation on the future of each emerging policy issues and other Issues of Concern recognized before the ICCM5* including workplans, targets and indicators if relevant; - review the ToR of the GFC Programme Trust Fund *e.g EDC, PFAS, nanotechnology and manufactured nanomaterials, environmentally persistent pharmaceutical pollutants, hazardous substance within the life cycle of electrical and electronic products, highly hazardous pesticides. Recommended Actions - Appointment of a National Focal Point to facilitate communication and coordination at the national level, disseminate information, develop a network for coordinating national views that includes consultations with all relevant sectors and stakeholders, attend meetings. - Develop and implement a National Action Plan to further implement efforts at the national level and to support reporting on the progress made. - Provide financial support to the GFC Programme Trust Fund considering the unique multisectoral character of the new GFC as well as the importance of building capacities in all countries to catalyse a shift towards a sustainable chemistry. BE delegation in Boon - Additional information on ICCM5 and the HLS - Summary report 23-29 September 2023 (iisd.org) - https://www.saicm.org/events/iccm5/meeting-documents - Proposal for Zero Draft HLD - fin-230920.docx