BRS Secretariat participated at the fourth U.N. Environment Assembly as observer

The fourth session of the Environment Assembly (UNEA-4) took place in Nairobi from 11 to 15 March 2019. With its theme on Innovative Solutions to Environmental Challenges and Sustainable Consumption and Production, it pointed to the need for innovation in dealing with the complexity of the different environmental challenges we are facing, in particular the poverty and natural resources nexus and the promotion of a circular economy and sustainable business models.

The theme and agenda of UNEA-4 speak to the core objectives of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, which are the protection of human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes. By facilitating the delivery of assistance to Parties to manage chemicals and wastes in an environmentally sound manner at different stages of their life-cycle, the conventions directly contribute to shifting our economies towards circularity and sustainability.

Written Submissions

The BRS Secretariat took part in UNEA-4 as an observer and provide information on decisions and ongoing work under the conventions that are relevant to the meeting’s deliberations. To that effect, the Secretariat submitted to UNEA-4 the following background notes relating to the draft resolutions under consideration:

  • Briefing note on the work of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions as it relates to the promotion of sound chemicals and waste management;
  • Briefing note on the work of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions as it relates to sustainable consumption and production in a circular economy;
  • Briefing note on the work of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions as it relates to plastic wastes, including marine litter and microplastics;
  • Briefing note on the work of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions as it relates to the Programme for the Development and Periodic Review of Environmental Law;
  • Briefing note on the work of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions as it relates to the promotion of gender equality.

Active participation

The BRS delegation, led by Rolph Payet (Executive Secretary) and Carlos Martin-Novella (Deputy Executive Secretary) will participated throughout the week as speaker, panelist, moderator and contributor at the following Side Events and special events:

  • Opening Plenary of the UN Environment Assembly; announcing the 30th Anniversary of the Basel Convention (Monday 11 March, 10.00-13.00);
  • SIE Panel Session II on Legal Empowerment: Leaving No-one Behind in Decision-making on Sustainability (Monday 11 March, 15.00-16.00);
  • Environment Management Group Nexus Dialogue on Sustainable Food Systems: Ensuring Food Security for Future Generations (Tuesday 12 March, 15.00-18.00);
  • Meeting with the Heads of the Secretariat of MEAs (Tuesday 12 March, 15.00-17.00) (closed);
  • Marine litter in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) (Wednesday 13 March, 10.00-11.00);
  • The High Ambition Alliance on Chemicals and Waste (Wednesday 13 March, 10.30-12.30) (closed);
  • Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML) Networking Luncheon (Wednesday 13 March, 13.00-15.00);
  • Elevating Electrics and Electronics to the Forefront of Circular Economy – an Integral and Multi-disciplinary Approach (Wednesday 13 March, 16.30-17.30);
  • Advancing the Sustainability of Chemicals Throughout the Life Cycle (Thursday 14 March, 18.15-19.45).
  • BRS Secretariat official statement, by the Executive Secretary, to UNEA-4 Plenary, (Friday 15 March 10.00 – 13.00)

Information-sharing

Additionally, the Secretariat was present throughout the week at two exhibitions located near to the main convention rooms, namely:

  • Making the Invisible, Visible: lounge installation with information news-sheets detailing household hazards from chemicals and wastes, together with outlines of safe alternatives;
  • BRS Information Booth: display stand with copies of BRS factsheets on marine litter and household waste, and copies of the three convention texts (English only).

More details on all of these events and exhibitions can be found on the UNEA-4 App, downloadable use the link at page 6 of the interactive UNEA-4 Programme of Events.