On 12-13 September 2024, the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions participated in the One Planet Network Forum, a global event hosted by UNEP and the Government of Brazil to accelerate the implementation of the Global Strategy on Sustainable Consumption and Production and SDG12.

The Secretariat showcased how sound management of waste and chemicals is crucial for driving circular economy approaches across high-impact sectors and materials chains. Explore the recordings and the snapshots from the events addressing waste and chemicals during the Forum.

The Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions participated in the following thematic sessions during the 2024 One Planet Network Forum, held on 12-13 September in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during which it highlighted the importance of chemicals and waste management for achieving circular economy.

Circular Economy and Waste Management: Ensuring a Just Transition
Thursday, 12 September 2024
This showcased key enablers and the role of different actors at international, national and local levels, highlighting the significant role of waste pickers, to further advance the transition to a circular economy.
Watch the event recording and snapshots

Sustainable Public Procurement in the Construction and ICT Sectors
Friday, 13 September 2024
This session explored the powerful enabler that procurement strategies and actions provide to enhance demand for circular and sustainable outcomes.
Watch the event recording and snapshots

The secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and the Minamata Convention on Mercury are organizing an online information session on the contribution of the chemicals and waste conventions to Target 7 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)

Thursday 18 April (13h00-15h00 CET)
Language: English
Online, Register here.

The BRS Secretariat participated in the workshop on circular economy considerations and new technologies for combatting climate change, which took place at the ITU Headquarters (ITU Tower building, Room K) in Geneva, Switzerland on Monday, 6 May 2024.

While the first part of the workshop focused on new technologies for climate change mitigation and adaptation, part two discussed the circular economy considerations in combatting climate change. In particular the workshop considered the implications associated with e-waste generation and the need to recycle critical raw materials such as rare earth metals, to prevent scarcity.

The workshop discussed the impact of the recent rise in production of rechargeable batteries and solar equipment, linked to the “greening” of the automotive and energy industries. This is creating an unprecedented demand for certain (rare) raw materials and presents challenges when it comes to recycling e-waste and, more generally, for e-waste management. At the same time, there is significant competition for these same materials, especially from the ICT sector, as countries embark on digital transformation.

The workshop was organized by the ITU and the second part on circular economy was moderated by the BRS Secretariat. For more information on the programme, please visit: Workshop on circular economy considerations and new technologies for combatting climate change (itu.int). Contacts: Francesca.cenni@un.org.

Monday 27 May, 14:00 - 15:30, Room 7, American University of Antigua

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) aspire to a thriving future built on healthy environments and a sustainable blue economy. But that dream is under attack from a hidden enemy: pollution from chemicals and waste. This toxic tide not only harms the stunning natural beauty that defines these islands, but also threatens the health of their people and the future of their economies.

The bad news? This problem is linked to the climate and biodiversity crises, hitting SIDS especially hard. Pollution, from marine and terrestrial sources, severely affects fragile ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, which act as natural barriers against storms and support rich biodiversity. Pollution and ocean acidification lead to coral bleaching and habitat loss, threatening the survival of sea life and the livelihoods of communities dependent on them. Protecting these ecosystems from pollution is not only crucial for biodiversity but also for mitigating the impacts of climate change on SIDS and ensuring that SIDS reap the benefits of the blue economy.

Pollution has dire consequences for human health in SIDS. Exposure to harmful chemicals in agricultural runoff, sewage discharge and industrial waste lead to short and long-term ailments. This is exacerbated by pollution due to the chronic lack of adequate waste management systems in SIDS, that also threatens access to clean water.

Pollution not only affects health and ecosystems but also has endangers economic resilience. The degradation of pristine beaches and coral reefs, from e.g. plastic waste, leads to decreased revenues from tourism and fishing, key pillars of SIDS economies and livelihood. Contaminated soil and water impair agricultural productivity and food security.

The good news? There's still time to fight back. By strengthening international agreements and national laws to reduce harm from toxic chemicals and improve waste management, SIDS can turn the tide. Imagine crystal-clear waters teeming with life, free from plastic and harmful chemicals and wastes. This future is possible, but it requires action. We need solutions that not only clean up the mess, but also create a circular economy where waste becomes a resource and provide jobs. By doing this, SIDS can build resilient economies that are good for both people and the planet.

Objectives

• Highlighting the Path to Clean SIDS: This session will explain how preventing pollution and embracing a circular economy are critical for achieving the sustainable development goals that SIDS are striving for. We'll explore what SIDS truly desire for their future.
• Island Challenges, Island Solutions: We'll delve into the specific needs and ongoing struggles faced by SIDS in managing their waste, particularly plastic.
• Turning the Tide: Practical Solutions: Join us as we showcase successful strategies for managing chemicals and waste, implemented at national, regional, and international levels through cooperation.
• A United Front for a Healthy Future: This session will advocate for a unified approach that addresses both pollution and the unique priorities of SIDS.

Documents

Title	Download
Programme

Programme

Welcome Remarks: Mr. Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary, Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions

Opening Remarks:

• Mr. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO, Global Environmetal Facility
• Ms Ligia Norhonha, UN ASG and Head New York Office, UNEP
• Ms. Valerie Hickey, Global Director of Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy, World Bank

High level Ministerial panel

• HM Sir Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment, Antigua and Barbuda
• HM Pennelope Beckles -Robinson, Minister of Planning and Development, Trinidad and Tobago
• HM Mr.Flavien Joubert, Minister of environment of Seychelles

Technical panel on regional perspectives

• Ms. Jewel Batchasingh, Director, Basel Convention Regional Center for Training and Technology Transfer in the Caribbean
• Mr. Sefanaia Nawadra, Director-General, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)
• Mr. Stefan Ott, Circular Economy Specialist, Finance Competition & Innovation Global Practice, The World Bank
• Ms. Ines Benabdallah, Global Environmental Facility Chemicals and Waste Unit, Industry & Economy Division, UNEP

Closing remarks
Ms. Ashley Lashley, Founder, the Ashley Lashley Foundation

The event is moderated by Mr. Linroy Christian, Ministry of Agriculture, Land, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs, Antigua and Barbuda