Johannesburg, South Africa, from 21 to 22 April 2026
Highlights: To strengthen the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions, there is a growing need to better connect scientific knowledge with policy and regulatory action at the national level.
The sub-regional workshop on Science to Action for Anglophone Africa will support countries in strengthening the science–policy–stakeholder interface, with a focus on newly listed and emerging chemicals under the BRS Conventions, including chemicals associated with plastics.
The workshop will take place over 1.5 days, from 21 to 22 April 2026, in Johannesburg, South Africa, and will precede the sub-regional training for negotiators from Anglophone Africa under the BRS Conventions.
Background: Countries continue to face challenges in translating scientific evidence into effective national policies and implementation measures under the BRS Conventions. While scientific review processes under the Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions are essential for global decision-making, their effectiveness depends on strong national cooperation among scientists, policymakers, industry, and other stakeholders.
In response, the Conferences of the Parties adopted the “From Science to Action” Programme of Work, aimed at improving linkages between:
- Scientific bodies and experts (including POPRC and CRC members),
- Policy and decision makers (national focal points, ministries, and regulators), and
- Stakeholders such as industry and civil society.
This workshop contributes to that mandate by supporting Anglophone African countries in strengthening science-based decision-making and preparedness for implementation.
Objectives: The overall objective of the workshop is to strengthen the science–policy interface in Anglophone African countries in support of science-based decision-making and improved implementation of the BRS Conventions.
Specific objectives include:
- Enhancing cooperation and information exchange between scientific institutions, policymakers, and industry;
- Strengthening national capacities to generate, access, interpret, and use scientific information relevant to the BRS Conventions; and
- Identifying practical national actions to integrate scientific evidence into regulatory processes, monitoring programmes, and implementation plans.
Target audience: The workshop targets:
- Participants of the sub-regional negotiators’ training for Anglophone Africa;
- Selected members of the POPs Review Committee and Chemical Review Committee;
- National laboratories, research institutes, universities, and Global Monitoring Plan experts; and
- Relevant industry representatives and civil society organizations from the region.
Organizers: This workshop is organized by the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, with support from the Basel and Stockholm Conventions Regional Centre for English-speaking African Countries in South Africa (BCRC-South Africa). The workshop is funded by the European Union and the Government of Norway.
Working language: English is the working language of the workshop.