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

The sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) drew to a close on Friday, 1 March 2024. More than 5,600 delegates– representing 190 countries – participated in UNEA-6 which focused on effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

The Assembly adopted 15 resolutions aimed at addressing some of the planet’s most-pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution and desertification. UNEA-6 also adopted a ministerial declaration which reaffirms Member States’ commitment to tackle global environmental challenges and crises and 2 decisions.

Five of the 15 UNEA-6 resolutions relate to the work of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions:

• UNEP/EA.6/L.7 - Promoting synergies, cooperation or collaboration for national implementation of multilateral environmental agreements and other relevant environmental instruments
• UNEP/EA.6/L.8 - Environmental aspects of minerals and metals
• UNEP/EA.6/L.9 - Fostering national action to address global environmental challenges through increased cooperation between the United Nations Environment Assembly, the United Nations Environment Programme and multilateral environmental agreements
• UNEP/EA.6/L.12 - Sound management of chemicals and waste
• UNEP/EA.6/L.14 - Highly hazardous pesticides

A key highlight of the UNEA-6 was also the first-ever day devoted to showcasing Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). The successful experience of MEAs shows that Parties are working together to help forge a sustainable future and have helped protect endangered species, limit chemical and waste pollution, and repair the hole in the ozone layer, among other things.

The Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions were represented during the MEAs day through the voices of Ms. Maya Berci, President of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention, Mr. Iftikhar-ul-Hassan Shah Gilani, President of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention, and Mr. Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions.

Beyond the formal UNEA-6 programme, Ms Berci and the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions engaged in more than 12 side events addressing a variety of issues ranging from the life-cycle of metals and minerals, cooperation among MEA compliance committees, to linkages between pollution and climate change and biodiversity loss.

Find the programme of BRS engagements at UNEA-6 including recordings of side events.

The seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) will take place on 8-12 December 2025.

Photo album

29 February 2024
17:15 – 18:30 p.m. (UTC+3)
Helipad, MEAs events space, Tent C
Nairobi, Kenya

Watch the event recording here

Climate change and pollution often have joint sources and exert combined and mutually reinforcing pressures on the environment and human health.

The sound management of wastes and chemicals, and circular economy approaches, have a critical role to play in addressing climate change. Curbing chemical and wastes pollution offers various co-benefits to tackling climate change, either directly, through sound solid waste management or, indirectly, through the effects of waste prevention, re-use, recycling and resource recovery across economic sectors and through more circular and sustainable products. Circularity approaches could cut global GHG emissions by up to 20% while creating green jobs and improving public health.

By bringing experts from different horizons, the side event will discuss the co-benefits offered by integrated approaches aimed at addressing GHG emissions and releases from pollutants, while preventing trade-offs.

Key areas where synergistic actions can be initiated and which will be showcased at the side event are: policy, through the synergistic implementation of relevant multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), innovation and technology, financing and awareness and education.

Event moderated by:

• Dr. Donald Cooper, Director, Transparency Division, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Opening:

• Ms. Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director, Industry and Economy Division, United Nations Environment
• Dr. Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary, Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

Keynote speech:

• Ms. Chizuru Aoki, Lead Environmental Specialist, on behalf of Mr. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO and Chairperson, Global Environment Facility (GEF)

Panel discussion:

• Ms. Astrid Schomaker, Director for Green Diplomacy and Multilateralism, Directorate General for Environment, European Commission
• Ms. Beatrice Cyiza, Director General of Biodiversity and Climate, Ministry of Environment, Rwanda
• Mr. Carlos Silva Filho, President, International Solid Waste Association (ISWA)
• Mr. Marcos Orellana, UN Special Rapporteur on Toxics and Human Rights
• Mr. Björn Beeler, International Coordinator, International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN)

Q&A

Closing remarks:

• Ms. Maya Berci, President of the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention, Executive Director, Chemicals Management Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada

Resources

Photo gallery