Genève, Suisse, 22 juin 2026 — Dans une démarche sans précédent pour la gouvernance environnementale internationale, les comités de contrôle du respect des conventions de Bâle, de Rotterdam et de Stockholm ont tenu leur toute première session conjointe le 19 juin afin d'échanger sur des questions d'intérêt commun concernant la gestion des produits chimiques et des déchets dangereux.

Cette réunion a marqué une étape importante vers une mise en œuvre plus efficace et mieux coordonnée au sein des trois conventions. Les membres ont qualifié ce moment d’« événement marquant », soulignant que l’expérience de chaque comité « offre de précieux enseignements aux autres ».

Cette session historique donne le ton aux futurs efforts conjoints visant à soutenir les Parties et à renforcer la protection mondiale de la santé humaine et de l'environnement. Le Secrétaire exécutif, Rolph Payet, en a souligné l'importance : « Cette étape marquante reflète l'esprit de l'initiative UN80, illustrant comment des mandats simplifiés, une efficacité opérationnelle accrue et des synergies programmatiques peuvent favoriser une action plus forte et mieux coordonnée entre les conventions dotées d'organes directeurs distincts. » Il a ajouté que la valeur de cette collaboration a été d'autant plus renforcée que les membres ont mis à profit leur expérience en matière de contrôle du respect avec d'autres accords multilatéraux sur l'environnement (AME), notamment ceux conclus dans le cadre de la Convention-cadre des Nations Unies sur les changements climatiques et de la Convention sur la diversité biologique.

La gestion rationnelle des produits chimiques et des déchets demeure essentielle pour faire face aux crises planétaires interdépendantes que sont la pollution, le changement climatique, la dégradation des sols et la diminution de la biodiversité. Les conventions de Bâle, de Rotterdam et de Stockholm continuent de jouer un rôle déterminant dans la mise en œuvre de solutions mondiales. Par ce biais, elles contribuent directement à la réalisation des ODD 6, 7, 9, 11, 12 et 17, en favorisant l’accès à une eau plus propre, à une énergie plus sûre, à des infrastructures résilientes, à des villes durables, à une consommation et une production durables, ainsi qu’à des partenariats mondiaux renforcés.

Deuxième réunion du Comité du contrôle du respect de la Convention de Stockholm (16-19 juin)

À l’occasion du 25e anniversaire de l’adoption de la Convention de Stockholm, le Comité du contrôle du respect a procédé, lors d’une réunion de quatre jours, à un examen approfondi de l’état d’avancement de la mise en œuvre des obligations relatives à la désignation de représentants nationaux, à la soumission de rapports nationaux, à la transmission de plans nationaux de mise en œuvre, à l’élaboration de législations, au respect des obligations en matière d’assistance technique et de ressources financières, ainsi qu’à la mise en œuvre d’autres mesures visant à protéger la santé humaine et l’environnement contre les polluants organiques persistants . Le Comité a également relevé des problèmes de contrôle du respect concernant la désignation, par 23 Parties, de leurs représentants nationaux et a offert son soutien pour les aider à les résoudre.

Le Comité a adopté une série de recommandations ciblées visant à renforcer la mise en œuvre et le respect des engagements par toutes les Parties et a décidé de tenir sa troisième réunion en octobre 2026 afin de finaliser des recommandations complémentaires. Celles-ci seront ensuite soumises à la Conférence des Parties pour examen lors de sa treizième réunion à Panama City (Panama), en avril 2027.

La présidente du Comité, Jimena Nieto Carrasco, a souligné le caractère novateur de cette session : « Pour la première fois, le Comité du contrôle du respect a examiné en détail les progrès accomplis par les Parties pour remplir leurs obligations, recensé les obstacles rencontrés, suivi les activités des centres régionaux et des agences d’exécution du Fonds pour l’environnement mondial afin d’appuyer les Parties dans la mise en œuvre de leurs engagements, et convenu de pistes pour un meilleur respect des obligations. » Elle a ajouté que le Comité avait notamment insisté sur la nécessité d’améliorer l’élaboration de la législation et l’accès aux données, éléments essentiels pour réussir le contrôle du respect.

Dix-septième réunion du Comité de mise en œuvre et de respect de la Convention de Bâle (18-21 juin)

Le Comité de mise en œuvre et de respect de la Convention de Bâle a clôturé sa dix-septième réunion avec une série de résultats importants visant à renforcer le respect des normes mondiales et à promouvoir une gestion écologiquement rationnelle des déchets.

Pendant quatre jours intensifs, le Comité s'est consacré à un programme de travail ambitieux et a examiné un nombre record de communications des Parties – signe distinct de son rôle croissant pour aider les pays à surmonter les difficultés concrètes de mise en œuvre et à revenir à un total contrôle du respect.

Dans le cadre du volet spécifique des travaux relatifs aux communications, le Comité a échangé directement avec onze Parties au sujet des difficultés qu’elles rencontraient et des efforts en cours pour rétablir le respect des obligations liées aux rapports nationaux et à la législation nationale, notamment par le biais du plan volontaire d’action pour l’exécution des obligations approuvé par le Comité.

Le Comité a également réalisé des progrès significatifs concernant les questions du contrôle du respect général conformément à la Convention, notamment en faisant progresser les travaux sur les rapports nationaux, le trafic illicite, la législation nationale, la procédure de consentement préalable en connaissance de cause (CPC) prévue à l’article 6, la désignation des points de contact nationaux et le suivi des mandats de la CdP -17. Des progrès ont

également été accomplis en matière d’élaboration de directrices et d’exploration des options visant à améliorer l’accès au financement de la mise en œuvre. Concernant les activités mandatées par la COP 17 relatives à la procédure de CPC, le Comité a donné des orientations pour les activités convenues à venir, allant de la révision du format des rapports à la création d’un outil en ligne pour la mise à jour des contacts désignés, en passant par l’utilisation des informations soumises par les Parties pour l’élaboration des directrices au titre de la Convention.

Le Comité reprendra ses travaux en ligne les 12 et 16 octobre 2026 afin de finaliser ses recommandations à la dix-huitième réunion de la Conférence des Parties, et en février 2027 pour achever l’examen des communications spécifiques en cours.

La présidente du Comité, Sophie Bernier, s’est félicitée de ces excellents résultats : « Le Comité a répondu aux attentes élevées de la Conférence des Parties, en apportant un soutien ciblé aux Parties tout en menant un programme de contrôle du respect ambitieux et de grande envergure . Ces résultats permettront à la Conférence des Parties, lors de sa dix-huitième réunion en avril 2027, de disposer d’un examen complet des questions du respect et d’orientations claires et pratiques pour aider les Parties à mettre en œuvre la Convention. »

Quatrième réunion du Comité du contrôle du respect à la Convention de Rotterdam (19-21 juin)

Le Comité du contrôle du respect de la Convention de Rotterdam a conclu sa réunion en constatant des progrès significatifs sur les communications spécifiques des Parties et sur l'examen des questions systémiques du contrôle du respect général qui intéressent toutes les Parties.

Le Comité a convenu d'assurer un suivi auprès des Parties rencontrant des difficultés, notamment celles qui n'ont pas encore notifié leurs autorités nationales désignées ni communiqué leur accord quant à l'importation de produits chimiques contrôlés par la Convention. La prise de décisions éclairées est essentielle pour garantir que seuls les produits chimiques pouvant être gérés en toute sécurité entrent sur le territoire. Ceci permettra de

protéger la santé humaine et l'environnement, ainsi que la sécurité alimentaire. Les membres ont tenu à soutenir les partis, soulignant ainsi l'approche facilitatrice du Comité.

Ils ont examiné plusieurs éléments liés à la mise en œuvre, en se concentrant sur la manière de relever les défis soulevés par les Parties, notamment pour garantir que les importations et les exportations de produits chimiques dangereux soient contrôlées conformément à la Convention. Le Comité a souligné certains défis transversaux et a convenu de poursuivre la constitution d'un recueil d'exemples de mécanismes de coordination et de communication accessible au public.

La réunion a mis en évidence une dynamique encourageante, avec un nombre croissant de Parties transmettant les textes de leur législation nationale et renforçant ainsi les échanges d'informations. Pour l'avenir, le Comité a approuvé un projet de programme de travail pour 2028-2029, qui sera soumis à la consultation de toutes les Parties avant la prochaine réunion de l'organe directeur de la Convention en 2027. Ce programme s'appuie sur les activités déjà entreprises et poursuit la collecte d'informations sur les difficultés rencontrées, la révision des documents d'orientation et le renforcement de la coopération avec les comités de contrôle du respect des autres conventions.

La présidente du Comité, Karoliina Anttonen, a souligné l’importance de cette approche prospective : « La

responsabilité partagée et la coopération sont désormais renforcées par le travail de collecte et d’analyse systématiques des informations sur les difficultés rencontrées et l’assistance nécessaire. Ce travail est essentiel pour apporter un soutien ciblé qui réponde directement aux besoins identifiés par les Parties. »

Perspectives d'avenir

Les difficultés communes relevées par les trois comités soulignent la nécessité d'appuyer les efforts des Parties visant à renforcer la collecte de données, à élaborer, à mettre à jour et à appliquer la législation nationale, qui continueront d'être des moteurs essentiels du travail de ces trois comités performants de contrôle du respect

NOTES AUX RÉDACTEURS

La Convention de Bâle sur le contrôle des mouvements transfrontières de déchets dangereux et de leur élimination adoptée en 1989 et entrée en vigueur en 1992, est le traité international le plus complet en matière d'environnement concernant les déchets dangereux et autres déchets et quasi universel avec 191 Parties. Visant avant tout à protéger la santé humaine et l'environnement contre les effets néfastes des déchets dangereux, son champ d'application couvre une vaste gamme de déchets faisant l'objet de mouvements transfrontières, définis comme dangereux en fonction de leur origine, de leur composition et de leurs caractéristiques, ainsi que quatre types de déchets qualifiés d'« autres déchets » : les déchets ménagers, les résidus d'incinération des cendres de déchets ménagers, certains déchets plastiques et certains déchets électroniques et électriques nécessitant un traitement particulier.

Le Comité de mise en œuvre et du respect de la Convention de Bâle a pour mandat d’aider les Parties à respecter leurs obligations en vertu de la Convention et de faciliter, promouvoir, surveiller et viser à garantir la mise en œuvre et le respect des obligations découlant de la Convention.

La Convention de Rotterdam sur la procédure de consentement préalable en connaissance de cause (PIC)

applicable à certains produits chimiques et pesticides dangereux faisant l’objet d’un commerce international , adoptée en 1998 et entrée en vigueur en 2004, est administrée conjointement par l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour l’alimentation et l’agriculture (FAO) et le Programme des Nations Unies pour l’environnement (PNUE). Les 168 Parties à cette Convention juridiquement contraignante partagent la responsabilité et coopèrent pour gérer en toute sécurité les produits chimiques dans le commerce international. La Convention n’instaure pas d’interdictions, mais facilite l’échange d’informations entre les Parties sur les produits chimiques et pesticides dangereux, afin d’éclairer et d’améliorer la prise de décision nationale. De plus, grâce à la procédure PIC, elle fournit un mécanisme juridiquement contraignant pour appuyer la prise de décision nationale en matière d’importation et d’exportation de certains produits chimiques et pesticides et diffuse les décisions aux Parties.

Le Comité de contrôle du respect de la Convention de Rotterdam traite des demandes spécifiques relatives au respect d'une Partie individuelle et examine les questions systémiques de contrôle du respect général.

La Convention de Stockholm sur les polluants organiques persistants , adoptée en 2001 et entrée en vigueur en 2004, est un traité mondial qui demande à ses 186 Parties de prendre des mesures pour éliminer ou réduire le rejet de POP dans l'environnement, afin de protéger la santé humaine et l'environnement contre les produits chimiques qui restent intactes pendant de longues périodes, se répandent largement sur le plan géographique, s'accumulent dans le corps humain et de la faune sauvage et ont des effets néfastes sur la santé humaine ou sur l'environnement.

Les procédures sur le contrôle du respect de la Convention de Stockholm ont été adoptées en 2023 et la première cohorte de membres du Comité du contrôle du respect a été élue en 2025. L’objectif de ces procédures est d’aider les Parties à respecter leurs obligations au titre de la Convention et de faciliter, promouvoir, assister, conseiller et viser à garantir la mise en œuvre et le respect de ces obligations.

Le Secrétariat des Conventions de Bâle, de Rotterdam et de Stockholm , ou Secrétariat BRS, aide les Parties à mettre en œuvre ces trois principaux accords multilatéraux sur l'environnement régissant la gestion rationnelle des produits chimiques et des déchets, conformément aux mandats de chaque Convention et aux décisions des organes directeurs.

Pour obtenir des informations sur le Comité de la mise en œuvre et du respect de la Convention de Bâle de la Convention de Bâle, veuillez contacter : Marylene Beau, chef de l'unité juridique et politique, Secrétariat du BRS, marylene.beau@un.org

Pour obtenir des renseignements sur le Comité du contrôle du respect de la Convention de Rotterdam, veuillez communiquer avec : Mme Yvonne Ewang-Sanvincenti, juriste au Secrétariat de la BRS, yvonne.ewang-sanvincent@un.org et Mme Sarra Baccouri, spécialiste de l’agriculture au Secrétariat de la Convention de Rotterdam, sarra.baccouri@fao.org

Pour obtenir des renseignements sur le Comité du contrôle du respect de la Convention de Stockholm, veuillez communiquer avec : Juliette Voinov Kohler, juriste principale et chef du Service de la gouvernance, Secrétariat du BRS, juliette.kohler@un.org

Pour toute demande d'information des médias, veuillez contacter :
Maria Cristina Cardenas-Fischer, conseillère principale en matière de politiques et de stratégie et chef de l'unité des politiques et de la stratégie, Bureau exécutif, Secrétariat du BRS, maria-cristina.cardenas@un.org et mea-brs-communications@un.org

Geneva, Switzerland, 22 June 2026 — In an unprecedented step for international environmental governance, the compliance committees of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions convened their first-ever joint session on 19 June to exchange on issues of joint interest in the management of hazardous chemicals and wastes.

The gathering marked a major step toward stronger, more coordinated implementation across the three conventions. Members called the moment “a milestone,” noting that each committee’s experience “offers valuable lessons for the others.”

This historic session sets the tone for future joint efforts to support Parties and strengthen global protection for human health and the environment. Executive Secretary, Rolph Payet, underscored its significance: “This milestone reflects the spirit of the UN80 initiative, showcasing how streamlined mandates, operational efficiencies and programmatic synergies can drive stronger, more coordinated action across Conventions with distinct governing bodies”. He added that the value of this collaboration was further reinforced as members drew on their experiences from other multilateral environmental agreements’ (MEA) compliance processes, including those under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The sound management of chemicals and wastes remains critical to addressing the interconnected planetary crises of pollution, climate change, land degradation and biodiversity loss. The Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions continue to play a pivotal role in driving global solutions. Through this work, the BRS Conventions directly advance SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, and 17 — supporting cleaner water, safer energy, resilient infrastructure, sustainable cities, sustainable consumption and production, and stronger global partnerships.

Second Meeting of the Stockholm Convention Compliance Committee (16-19 June)

Marking the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Stockholm Convention, the Compliance Committee over a four-day meeting undertook a comprehensive review of the status of implementation of the obligations to designate country contacts, to submit national reports, to transmit national implementation plans, to develop legislation, to fulfill obligations pertaining to technical assistance and financial resources, and to take other measures to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants. The Committee also identified questions of compliance pertaining to the designation by 23 Parties of their country contacts and offered its support to assist in their resolution.

The Committee agreed on a set of targeted recommendations to boost implementation and compliance across all Parties and decided to convene its third meeting in October 2026 with a view to finalizing additional recommendations. These will move next to the Conference of the Parties for consideration at its thirteenth meeting in Panama City, Panama, in April 2027.

Committee Chair Jimena Nieto Carrasco underscored the breakthrough nature of the session: “For the first time, the Compliance Committee has unpacked the progress achieved by Parties to fulfil their obligations, identified obstacles met, monitored activities by the regional centres and the implementing agencies of the Global Environment Facility to support Parties with implementation, and agreed on avenues towards greater compliance.” She added that the Committee had, among other things, underscored the need to improve the development of legislation and access to data, as backbones to successful compliance.

Seventeenth Meeting of the Basel Convention Implementation and Compliance Committee (18-21 June)

The Basel Convention Implementation and Compliance Committee wrapped up its seventeenth meeting with a powerful slate of outcomes aimed at strengthening global compliance and advancing the environmentally sound management of wastes.

Over four intensive days, the Committee tackled an ambitious work programme and considered a record number of Party submissions — a clear sign of its growing role in helping countries overcome concrete implementation challenges and return to full compliance.

Under the specific submission track of work, the Committee engaged directly with eleven Parties on the difficulties they faced and current efforts underway to restore compliance with obligations related to national reporting and national legislation, including through the voluntary compliance action plan approved by the Committee.

The Committee also made significant progress in addressing general issues of compliance under the Convention, advancing work on national reporting, illegal traffic, national legislation, the prior informed consent (PIC) procedure under Article 6, designation of national contact points, following up on mandates from COP-17. Progress was also made on guidance development and exploring options to improve access to financing for implementation. On the COP-17 mandated activities on the PIC procedure, the Committee provided directions for the agreed activities going forward, ranging from revisions to reporting format, development of a web-based tool for updating designated contacts, and the use of Party submitted information to inform guidance under the Convention.

The Committee will resume its meeting from 12 and 16 October 2026 online to finalize its recommendations to the eighteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties, and in February 2027 to complete its consideration of current specific submissions.

Committee Chair Sophie Bernier welcomed the strong results: “The Committee has delivered on the high expectations set by the Conference of the Parties — providing targeted support to individual Parties while driving forward a broad and ambitious compliance programme. These outcomes equip the Conference of the Parties at its eighteenth meeting in April 2027 with a comprehensive review of compliance issues and clear, practical directions to help Parties implement the Convention.”

Fourth Meeting of the Rotterdam Convention Compliance Committee (19-21 June)

The Rotterdam Convention Compliance Committee concluded its meeting with significant progress on specific Party submissions and review of systemic issues of general compliance of interest to all Parties.

The Committee agreed to follow up with specific Parties facing challenges, particularly those yet to notify their designated national authorities and yet to transmit any responses about whether they agree to imports of chemicals controlled by the Convention. Taking such informed decisions is highly important to ensure only chemicals that can be managed safely enter the country. This will ensure both, protection of human health and the environment, as well as food security. Members were keen to support Parties, underscoring the facilitative approach of the Committee.

They considered a number of elements related to implementation, focusing on how to address challenges that had been identified by Parties, in particular to ensure that imports and exports of hazardous chemicals are controlled as set out in the Convention. The Committee highlighted some crosscutting challenges, agreeing to continue to build a publicly available collection of examples of coordination and communication mechanisms as a tool.

The meeting underscored encouraging momentum, with a growing number of Parties transmitting texts of their national legislation, strengthening information exchange. Looking ahead, the Committee agreed a draft programme of work for 2028–2029 that will now be consulted with all Parties ahead of the next meeting of the Convention’s governing body in 2027. This builds on existing activities and continues to gather information on challenges, reviewing guidance materials and continuing to enhance cooperation with the other conventions’ compliance committees.

Committee Chair Karoliina Anttonen emphasized the importance of this forward-looking approach: “Shared responsibility and cooperative efforts are now further strengthened through the work to systematically collect and analyse information on challenges faced and assistance needed. This work is vital to providing targeted support that responds directly to the needs identified by Parties.”

Looking ahead

Common challenges identified across the three committees point to the need to support Parties’ efforts to strengthen data collection, develop, update and implement national legislation, which will continue to be key drivers of the work of these three successful compliance committees.

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, adopted in 1989 and entered into force in 1992, is the most comprehensive international environment treaty on hazardous and other wastes and is almost universal, with 191 Parties. With an overarching objective of protecting human health and the environment against the adverse effects of hazardous wastes, its scope covers a wide range of wastes subject to transboundary movements defined as hazardous based on their origin and/or composition and characteristics, as well as four types of wastes defined as “other wastes”, namely household waste, residues arising from the incineration of household wastes ash, certain plastic wastes and certain electronic and electrical wastes requiring special consideration.

The Basel Convention Implementation and Compliance Committee is mandated to assist Parties to comply with their obligations under the Convention and to facilitate, promote, monitor and aim to secure the implementation of and compliance with the obligations under the Convention.

The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure (PIC) for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, adopted in 1998 and entered into force in 2004, is jointly administered by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UN Environment (UNEP). The 168 Parties to this legally binding Convention share responsibility and cooperate to safely manage chemicals in international trade. The Convention does not introduce bans but facilitates the exchange of information among Parties on hazardous chemicals and pesticides, to inform and improve national decision making. In addition, through the PIC Procedure, it provides a legally binding mechanism to support national decision-making on the import and export of certain chemicals and pesticides and disseminates decisions to Parties.

The Rotterdam Convention Compliance Committee deals with specific submissions relating to the compliance of an individual Party and reviews systemic issues of general compliance.

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, adopted in 2001 and entered into force in 2004, is a global treaty requiring its 186 Parties to take measures to eliminate or reduce the release of POPs into the environment, to protect human health and the environment from chemicals that remain intact for long periods, become widely distributed

geographically, accumulate in the bodies of humans and wildlife, and have harmful impacts on human health or on the environment.

The compliance procedures of the Stockholm Convention were adopted in 2023, and the first cohort of members of the Compliance Committee was elected in 2025. The objective of the compliance procedures is to assist Parties to comply with their obligations under the Convention and to facilitate, promote, assist in, advise on and aim to secure the implementation of and compliance with the obligations under the Convention.

The Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, or BRS Secretariat, supports Parties implement these three leading multilateral environment agreements governing sound chemicals and waste management, according to the mandates in each Convention and as decided by the governing bodies.

For information on the Basel Convention Implementation and Compliance Committee, contact: Marylene Beau, Head of Legal and Policy Unit, BRS Secretariat, marylene.beau@un.org

For information on the Rotterdam Convention Compliance Committee, contact: Ms. Yvonne Ewang-Sanvincenti, Legal Officer, BRS Secretariat, yvonne.ewang-sanvincent@un.org and Ms. Sarra Baccouri, Agricultural Officer, Secretariat of the Rotterdam Convention, sarra.baccouri@fao.org

For information on the Compliance Committee of the Stockholm Convention, contact: Juliette Voinov Kohler, Senior Legal Officer and Chief, Governance Branch, BRS Secretariat, juliette.kohler@un.org

For media enquiries, contact:
Maria Cristina Cardenas-Fischer, Senior Policy and Strategy Advisor and Head of the Policy and Strategy Unit, Executive Office, BRS Secretariat, maria-cristina.cardenas@un.org and mea-brs-communications@un.org

Ginebra, Suiza, 22 de junio de 2026 - En un paso sin precedentes para la gobernanza ambiental internacional, los comités de cumplimiento de los Convenios de Basilea, Rotterdam y Estocolmo celebraron su primera sesión conjunta el 19 de junio para intercambiar opiniones sobre cuestiones de interés común relativas a la gestión de productos químicos y desechos peligrosos.

La reunión marcó un avance significativo hacia una aplicación más sólida y coordinada de los tres convenios. Los miembros calificaron el momento como «un hito», señalando que la experiencia de cada comité «ofrece valiosas lecciones para los demás»

Esta histórica sesión sienta las bases para futuros esfuerzos conjuntos destinados a apoyar a las Partes y fortalecer la protección mundial de la salud humana y el medio ambiente. El secretario ejecutivo, Rolph Payet, destacó su importancia: «Este hito refleja el espíritu de la iniciativa UN80, demostrando cómo la simplificación de los mandatos, la eficiencia operativa y las sinergias programáticas pueden impulsar una acción más sólida y coordinada entre los Convenios con órganos rectores distintos». Añadió que el valor de esta colaboración se vio reforzado al aprovecharse la experiencia de los miembros en los procesos de cumplimiento de otros acuerdos ambientales multilaterales (AAM), incluidos los de la Convención Marco de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Cambio Climático y el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biológica.

La gestión racional de los productos químicos y los desechos sigue siendo fundamental para abordar las crisis planetarias interconectadas de contaminación, cambio climático, degradación de la tierra y pérdida de biodiversidad. Los Convenios de Basilea, Rotterdam y Estocolmo continúan desempeñando un papel crucial en el impulso de soluciones globales. A través de esta labor, los Convenios de BRS promueven directamente los ODS 6, 7, 9, 11, 12 y 17, apoyando el acceso a agua más limpia, energía más segura, infraestructuras resilientes, ciudades sostenibles, consumo y producción sostenibles y alianzas globales más sólidas.

Segunda Reunión del Comité de Cumplimiento del Convenio de Estocolmo (16-19 de junio)

Con motivo del 25º aniversario de la adopción del Convenio de Estocolmo, el Comité de Cumplimiento, durante una reunión de cuatro días, realizó un examen exhaustivo del estado de aplicación de las obligaciones relativas a la designación de contactos nacionales, la presentación de informes nacionales, la transmisión de planes nacionales de aplicación, la elaboración de legislación, el cumplimiento de las obligaciones relativas a la asistencia técnica y los recursos financieros, y la adopción de otras medidas

para proteger la salud humana y el medio ambiente de los contaminantes orgánicos persistentes. El Comité también identificó cuestiones de cumplimiento relativas a la designación de los contactos nacionales por parte de 23 Partes y ofreció su apoyo para su resolución.

El Comité acordó un conjunto de recomendaciones específicas para impulsar la aplicación y el cumplimiento por todas las Partes y decidió convocar su tercera reunión en octubre de 2026 con vistas a finalizar recomendaciones adicionales. Estos asuntos se presentarán próximamente a la Conferencia de las Partes para su examen en su decimotercera reunión, que se celebrará en Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá, en abril de 2027.

La Presidenta del Comité, Jimena Nieto Carrasco, subrayó el carácter innovador de la sesión: «Por primera vez, el Comité de Cumplimiento ha analizado en profundidad los progresos alcanzados por las Partes en el cumplimiento de sus obligaciones, ha identificado los obstáculos encontrados, ha supervisado las actividades de los centros regionales y de los organismos de implementación del Fondo para el Medio Ambiente Mundial para apoyar a las Partes en la aplicación, y ha acordado vías para lograr un mayor cumplimiento». Añadió que el Comité, entre otras cosas, había destacado la necesidad de mejorar la elaboración de la legislación y el acceso a los datos, como pilares fundamentales para un cumplimiento eficaz.

Decimoséptima Reunión del Comité de Aplicación y Cumplimiento del Convenio de Basilea (18-21 de junio)

El Comité de Aplicación y Cumplimiento del Convenio de Basilea concluyó su decimoséptima reunión con una serie de resultados contundentes destinados a fortalecer el cumplimiento a nivel mundial y promover la gestión ambientalmente racional de los desechos.

Durante cuatro intensos días, el Comité abordó un ambicioso programa de trabajo y examinó un número récord de comunicaciones de las Partes, lo que demuestra claramente su creciente papel en ayudar a los países a superar los desafíos concretos de la aplicación y a volver al pleno cumplimiento.

En el marco de seguimiento de las comunicaciones específicas, el Comité interactuó directamente con once Partes sobre las dificultades que enfrentaban y los esfuerzos actuales para restablecer el cumplimiento de las obligaciones relativas a la presentación de informes nacionales y la legislación nacional, incluso a través del plan de acción de cumplimiento voluntario aprobado por el Comité.

El Comité también logró avances significativos en cuestiones generales de cumplimiento del Convenio, impulsando el trabajo sobre la presentación de informes nacionales, el tráfico ilícito, la legislación nacional, el procedimiento de Consentimiento fundamentado previo (CFP) en virtud del artículo 6, la designación de puntos de contacto nacionales y el seguimiento de los mandatos de la CdP-17. También se avanzó en la elaboración de orientaciones y en la exploración de opciones para mejorar el acceso a la financiación para la aplicación. En relación con las actividades relativas al procedimiento CFP

mandatadas por la CdP‑17, el Comité proporcionó directrices para las actividades acordadas en adelante, que van desde la revisión del formato de informes hasta el desarrollo de una herramienta web para actualizar los contactos designados, así como el uso de la información presentada por las Partes para fundamentar la elaboración de orientaciones en el marco del Convenio.

El Comité reanudará su reunión del 12 al 16 de octubre de 2026 en modalidad virtual para finalizar sus recomendaciones destinadas a la decimoctava reunión de la Conferencia de las Partes, y en febrero de 2027 para completar el examen de las comunicaciones específicas en curso.

La Presidenta del Comité, Sophie Bernier, acogió con satisfacción los sólidos resultados: «El Comité ha respondido a las altas expectativas establecidas por la Conferencia de las Partes — proporcionando

apoyo específico a las Partes individuales al tiempo que impulsa un programa de cumplimiento amplio y ambicioso. Estos resultados dotan a la Conferencia de las Partes, en su decimoctava reunión en abril de 2027, de un examen completo de las cuestiones de cumplimiento y de orientaciones claras y prácticas para ayudar a las Partes a aplicar el Convenio».

Cuarta reunión del Comité de cumplimiento del Convenio de Rotterdam (19-21 de junio)

El Comité de cumplimiento del Convenio de Rotterdam concluyó su reunión con avances significativos en las comunicaciones específicas de las Partes y en el examen de cuestiones sistémicas de cumplimiento de interés general para todas las Partes.

El Comité acordó dar seguimiento a determinadas Partes que enfrentan dificultades, en particular aquellas que aún no han notificado sus Autoridades nacionales designadas (AND) ni han transmitido respuestas sobre si consienten las importaciones de productos químicos regulados por el Convenio. La adopción de tales decisiones fundamentadas es sumamente importante para garantizar que solo los productos químicos que puedan gestionarse de manera segura entren en el país. Esto permitirá asegurar tanto la protección de la salud humana y el medio ambiente como la seguridad alimentaria.

Los miembros manifestaron su voluntad de apoyar a las Partes, subrayando el enfoque facilitador del Comité.

Examinaron varios elementos relacionados con la aplicación, centrándose en cómo abordar los desafíos identificados por las Partes, en particular para garantizar que las importaciones y exportaciones de productos químicos peligrosos estén controladas conforme a lo establecido en el Convenio. El Comité destacó algunos desafíos transversales y acordó seguir elaborando una recopilación de acceso público de ejemplos de mecanismos de coordinación y comunicación como herramienta.

La reunión puso de relieve un impulso alentador, con un número creciente de Partes transmitiendo textos de su legislación nacional, fortaleciendo el intercambio de información. Mirando hacia el futuro, el Comité acordó un proyecto de programa de trabajo para 2028–2029 que ahora será objeto de consulta con todas las Partes antes de la próxima reunión del órgano rector del Convenio en 2027. Esto se basa en las actividades existentes y continúa recopilando información sobre los desafíos, revisando los materiales de orientación y reforzando la cooperación con los comités de cumplimiento de otros convenios.

La Presidenta del Comité, Karoliina Anttonen, enfatizó la importancia de este enfoque orientado al futuro: «La responsabilidad compartida y los esfuerzos de cooperación se ven ahora reforzados mediante la labor de recopilar y analizar sistemáticamente la información sobre los desafíos enfrentados y la asistencia necesaria. Esta labor es fundamental para proporcionar un apoyo específico que responda directamente a las necesidades identificadas por las Partes».

Perspectivas

Los desafíos comunes identificados en los tres comités ponen de relieve la necesidad de apoyar los esfuerzos de las Partes para reforzar la recopilación de datos, desarrollar, actualizar y aplicar la legislación nacional, que seguirán siendo los principales impulsores de la labor de estos tres exitosos comités de cumplimiento.

NOTAS PARA LOS EDITORES

El Convenio de Basilea sobre el control de los movimientos transfronterizos de desechos peligrosos y su eliminación, adoptado en 1989 y en vigor desde 1992, es el tratado internacional más completo en materia de medio ambiente sobre los desechos peligrosos y otros desechos, y es casi universal, con 191 Partes. Con el objetivo general de proteger la salud humana y el medio ambiente frente a los efectos adversos de los desechos

peligrosos, su alcance abarca una amplia gama de desechos sujetos a movimientos transfronterizos definidos como peligrosos en función de su origen y/o su composición y características, así como cuatro tipos de desechos definidos como «otros desechos», a saber, los desechos domésticos, los residuos derivados de la incineración de cenizas de desechos domésticos, determinados desechos plásticos y determinados desechos eléctricos y electrónicos que requieren una consideración especial.

El Comité de aplicación y cumplimiento del Convenio de Basilea tiene el mandato de ayudar a las Partes a cumplir sus obligaciones en virtud del Convenio y de facilitar, promover, supervisar y procurar asegurar la aplicación y el cumplimiento de las obligaciones en virtud del Convenio.

El Convenio de Rotterdam sobre el Procedimiento de Consentimiento Fundamentado Previo (CFP) aplicable a ciertos plaguicidas y productos químicos peligrosos objeto de comercio internacional, adoptado en 1998 y en vigor desde 2004, es administrado conjuntamente por la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Alimentación y la Agricultura (FAO) y el Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Medio Ambiente (PNUMA). Las 168 Partes en este Convenio jurídicamente vinculante comparten la responsabilidad y cooperan para gestionar de manera segura los productos químicos en el comercio internacional. El Convenio no introduce prohibiciones, sino que facilita el intercambio de información entre las Partes sobre los productos químicos y plaguicidas peligrosos, a fin de informar y mejorar la toma de decisiones a nivel nacional. Además, mediante el procedimiento CFP, proporciona un mecanismo jurídicamente vinculante para apoyar la toma de decisiones nacionales sobre la importación y exportación de determinados productos químicos y plaguicidas y difunde dichas decisiones a las Partes.

El Comité de cumplimiento del Convenio de Rotterdam se ocupa de las comunicaciones específicas relativas al cumplimiento de una Parte individual y examina las cuestiones sistémicas de cumplimiento de carácter general.

El Convenio de Estocolmo sobre contaminantes orgánicos persistentes, adoptado en 2001 y en vigor desde 2004, es un tratado mundial que exige a sus 186 Partes adoptar medidas para eliminar o reducir la liberación de contaminantes orgánicos persistentes (COP) en el medio ambiente, con el fin de proteger la salud humana y el medio ambiente frente a productos químicos que permanecen intactos durante largos períodos, se distribuyen ampliamente en el medio ambiente, se acumulan en los organismos de los seres humanos y de la fauna, y tienen efectos perjudiciales para la salud humana o el medio ambiente.

Los procedimientos de cumplimiento del Convenio de Estocolmo fueron adoptados en 2023, y el primer grupo de miembros del Comité de cumplimiento fue elegido en 2025. El objetivo de estos procedimientos de cumplimiento es ayudar a las Partes a cumplir sus obligaciones en virtud del Convenio y facilitar, promover, prestar asistencia, asesorar y procurar asegurar la aplicación y el cumplimiento de las obligaciones en virtud del Convenio.

La Secretaría de los Convenios de Basilea, Rotterdam y Estocolmo, o Secretaría BRS, apoya a las Partes en la aplicación de estos tres principales acuerdos multilaterales sobre el medio ambiente relativos a la gestión ambientalmente racional de los productos químicos y los desechos, de conformidad con los mandatos de cada Convenio y según lo decidido por sus órganos rectores.

Para obtener información sobre el Comité de aplicación y cumplimiento del Convenio de Basilea, sírvase contactar: Sra. Marylene Beau, Jefa de la Unidad Jurídica y de Políticas, Secretaría BRS, marylene.beau@un.org

Para obtener información sobre el Comité de cumplimiento del Convenio de Rotterdam, sírvase contactar:
Yvonne Ewang‑Sanvincenti, Oficial Jurídica, Secretaría BRS, yvonne.ewang-sanvincent@un.org
y Sra. Sarra Baccouri, Oficial de Agricultura, Secretaría del Convenio de Rotterdam, sarra.baccouri@fao.org

Para obtener información sobre el Comité de cumplimiento del Convenio de Estocolmo, sírvase contactar: Sra. Juliette Voinov Kohler, Oficial Jurídica Superior y Jefa de la Unidad de Gobernanza, Secretaría BRS, juliette.kohler@un.org .

Para consultas de los medios de comunicación, sírvase contactar:
Maria Cristina Cardenas‑Fischer, Asesora Superior de Políticas y Estrategia y Jefa de la Unidad de Políticas y Estrategia, Oficina Ejecutiva, Secretaría BRS, maria-cristina.cardenas@un.org y mea-brs-communications@un.org.

Geneva, Switzerland 29 June 2026 - Representatives from 140 governments convened in Geneva last week for the fifteenth meeting of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG-15) of the Basel Convention. Over four days of intensive dialogue and negotiations, Parties adopted 19 decisions to advance work on the management of hazardous and other wastes, with e-waste, plastic waste, used textiles and textile wastes, technical guidelines, legal clarity and international cooperation high on the agenda.

Meeting at the midpoint between the Convention’s biennial Conference of the Parties (COP), the Working Group charted the intersessional roadmap towards COP-18 in Panama in 2027. Parties advanced work to improve the functioning of the prior informed consent procedure, progressed technical guidelines on key waste streams, invited further submissions on plastic waste activities as well as on options available under the Convention to address used textiles and textile wastes, and agreed next steps on national reporting, electronic approaches, legal clarity and cooperation with other international bodies, including the International Maritime Organization and the World Customs Organization.

The OEWG, once again demonstrated its role as vital engine of the Basel Convention, bringing together governments, international organizations, industry representatives and NGOs united by a shared mission to strengthen the environmentally sound management of hazardous and other wastes worldwide.

Action on Plastic Waste as well as Used Textiles and Textile Wastes

Plastic waste remained a central focus. Delegates took note of comments submitted on the implementation, challenges and impacts of the plastic waste amendments, as well as an update on the ongoing negotiations towards an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The Working Group requested a compilation of existing activities on hazardous and other plastic waste carried out in accordance with the Convention for consideration by COP-18.

Used textiles and textile wastes also featured prominently, with many delegates underscoring the environmental, social and economic dimensions of this waste stream. The Working Group took note of the report on possible options available under the Convention and invited comments on those options and other relevant options, for compilation ahead of COP-18.

Strengthening agreement on management of priority waste streams

How to improve the management of several types of wastes including those arising from the use of batteries, pneumatic tyres, electronic and electrical equipment and forever chemicals (PFAS) were at the heart of the discussions. A series of key decisions focused on technical guidelines essential for Parties to manage waste in an environmentally sound manner. The Working Group took note of draft or updated technical guidelines on persistent organic pollutants, waste lead-acid batteries and other waste batteries, used and waste pneumatic tyres, and draft guidance on the identification of electrical and electronic waste under the e-waste amendments adopted by COP-15 in 2022. It recommended that COP-18 agree to the updated technical guidelines on wastes containing or contaminated with mercury or mercury compounds, agreed to updates to technical guidelines to reflect adjustments consequential to the e-waste amendments, and recommended that COP-18 agree to updates reflecting the plastic waste amendments.

To support practical implementation, countries were encouraged to continue using and testing the technical guidelines on transboundary movements of e-waste and used electrical and electronic equipment. Delegates also examined draft fact sheets on electronic approaches to the notification and movement documents for controlling waste transboundary movements and reiterated the invitation for pilot projects.

Advancing Legal Clarity and International Coordination

The Working Group welcomed progress on the review of Annexes I and III to the Convention, and invited comments to help prioritize recommendations for further discussion. It also invited further comments on the implications of the amendment to Annex IV and on any need for explanations, technical guidelines or guidance in relation to the disposal operations in Annex IV. The meeting welcomed the inclusion of Basel Convention-related amendments in the World Customs Organization eighth edition of the Harmonized System nomenclature – covering plastic waste, waste oils containing PCBs and waste pneumatic tyres- marking an important step towards improved customs identification of wastes covered by the Convention. Comments were invited on strengthening legal clarity and coordination between the Basel Convention and the Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and the Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.

Partnerships and Future Work

Delegates reviewed progress under the Partnership for Action on Challenges relating to E-waste, the Household Waste Partnership and the Partnership on Plastic Waste, requesting revised draft work programmes for 2028–2029 for consideration by COP-18.

A Platform for Ambition Ahead of COP-18

“As we look ahead to the Basel Convention COP-18, to be held next year in Panama, the work accomplished here in Geneva provides a strong platform for ambitious decision-making,” said Executive Secretary Rolph Payet. “Building on the outcomes of the OEWG-15, Parties will now refine proposals and finalize technical work in the lead-up to COP-18, where governments are expected to take forward measures that strengthen global waste governance and address emerging pollution challenges.”

NOTES FOR EDITORS

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, adopted in 1989 and entered into force in 1992, is the most comprehensive international environment treaty on hazardous and other wastes and is almost universal, with 191 Parties. With an overarching objective of protecting human health and the environment against the adverse effects of hazardous wastes, its scope covers a wide range of wastes subject to transboundary movements defined as hazardous based on their origin and/or composition and characteristics, as well as four types of wastes defined as “other wastes”, namely household waste, residues arising from the incineration of household wastes ash, certain plastic wastes and certain electrical and electronic wastes requiring special consideration.

The Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) is a universal subsidiary body of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention. It assists the Conference of the Parties in reviewing and advancing the implementation of the Convention’s work programme, advising on policy, technical, scientific, legal, institutional and administrative matters.

The Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS Secretariat) supports Parties in implementing the three multilateral environmental agreements governing chemicals and waste management, in order to protect human health and the environment.

For information on the Open-ended Working Group, contact:

Susan Wingfield, Programme Officer, Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions susan.wingfield@un.org

For media enquiries, contact:

Maria Cristina Cardenas-Fischer, Senior Policy and Strategy Advisor and Head of the Policy and Strategy Unit, Executive Office, Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, maria-cristina.cardenas@un.org and mea-brs-communications@un.org

The Committee held its long-awaited inaugural meeting, setting in motion a comprehensive agenda aimed at securing the implementation and compliance with the obligations under the Convention.

Geneva, 28 November 2025 – In an intensive three half-day online sessions, the Committee advanced a series of decisive measures to strengthen implementation and compliance with the Convention’s core obligations. These included obligations to designate country contacts, to transmit national reports, to transmit national implementation plans, to develop legislation and to take other measures to eliminate and restrict persistent organic pollutants. These actions also aim to reduce or eliminate releases from unintentional production as well as from stockpiles and wastes. The Committee also initiated its work to strengthen Parties’ implementation of the obligations related to the provision of technical assistance and financial resources to developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The Committee built on this momentum by further launching its engagement to work with the Implementation and Compliance Committees of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal and the Rotterdam Conventionon the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. Finally, the Committee initiated its works towards identifying questions relating to individual Parties’ compliance.

Expressing her satisfaction with the progress achieved, the Chair of the Committee, Ms. Jimena Nieto Carrasco (Colombia), said that “In some respects, the Committee has to catch up with more than twenty years of developments under the Convention, and I am proud to say that the members succeeded in setting strong foundations for its important work”.

The Committee agreed that going forward, it will review updated, detailed data on the status of Parties’ implementation of their obligations. The upcoming discussions will draw on information about activities by the Secretariat and key partners, including the Global Environment Facility, the United Nations Environment Programme and the 17 Stockholm Convention Regional and Sub-regional Centres, aimed at improving the implementation of the Convention. They will also review insights on challenges faced by Parties in meeting specific obligations under the Convention and consider possible recommendations on how to improve Parties’ implementation of the Convention.

“The Committee will help ensure that Parties, individually and collectively, comply with their obligations,” noted the Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, Mr. Rolph Payet. He went on to underscore that the work programme of the

Committee was a testimony to Parties’ ambition to ensure that all the obligations embedded in the Convention are implemented and that the Convention fulfils its objective to protect human health and the environment from the harmful impacts of persistent organic pollutants.

The Committee agreed to hold its second meeting in Geneva in June 2026, back-to-back with the meetings of the Compliance Committees of the Basel Convention and the Rotterdam Convention, and to hold a joint session with those Committees on 19 June 2026.

The Vice Chair of the Committee, Mark Govoni (Switzerland), emphasized the benefits derived from the cooperation between the three committees given the similarities in the obligations under the three convention and in the challenges Parties may face. He added, “It is also an advantage to the conduct of our work that the same Secretariat in serving the three Committees.”

The work of the Stockholm Convention Compliance Committee benefits from generous financial support provided by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the European Union.

Note to editors

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, adopted in 2001 and entered into force in 2004, is a global treaty requiring its 186 Parties to take measures to eliminate or reduce the release of POPs into the environment, to protect human health and the environment from chemicals that remain intact for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and wildlife, and have harmful impacts on human health or on the environment. The Convention currently controls 37 chemicals or groups of chemicals, including polychlorinated dioxins and furans, PCBs, DDT, PFOS, and others.

The compliance procedures of the Stockholm Convention were adopted in 2023, and the first cohort of members of the Compliance Committee was elected in 2025. The objective of the compliance procedures is to assist Parties to comply with their obligations under the Convention and to facilitate, promote, assist in, advise on and aim to secure the implementation of and compliance with the obligations under the Convention. The Compliance Committee, composed of 15 members serving objectively and in the best interests of the Convention, is mandated on one hand, to examine systemic issues of general compliance and implementation of interest to all Parties, and on the other hand to consider submissions or questions of compliance relating to individual Parties, with a view to establishing the facts and the root causes of the matter of concern and to assisting in its resolution.

For information on the Compliance Committee of the Stockholm Convention, contact: Juliette Voinov Kohler, Senior Legal Officer and Chief, Governance Branch, BRS Secretariat, juliette.kohler@un.org.

For media inquiries, contact: Maria Cristina Cardenas, Senior Policy and Strategy Advisor of the BRS Secretariat, maria-cristina.cardenas@un.org.

14 October 2025

As the global demand for smartphones, electric vehicles, solar panels, and other technologies continues to rise, so does the need for the materials that power them. International E-waste Day this year focuses on Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) – rare elements essential for creating these technologies and often mined in only a few countries. CRMs such as gold, copper, and nickel are vital to modern technologies such as smart phones, but these materials can be recovered from old or broken electronics stored in homes.

It is estimated that by 2050, there will be more than 130 million metric tons of e-waste produced per year, containing precious metals such as gold, copper, and nickel. The level of e-waste far-outstrips current capacities to properly manage it in an environmentally sound manner[1] as outlined in the Basel Convention.

The Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions, together with partners – the European Institute for Innovation and Technology’s RawMaterials Knowledge and Innovation Community (EIT RawMaterials - Academy), the university KU Leuven (KUL) in Belgium, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the World Resources Forum (WRF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) – are proud to launch an updated Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), on the E-waste challenge, both in English and in Spanish.

The MOOC includes updated materials and a new course on conformity assessment of e-waste standards and is aimed at students, researchers, policy makers in the environment and telecommunication sectors, practitioners, entrepreneurs, e-waste recyclers and government officials. The MOOC invites participants to become part of the solution to this growing problem. Relevant for developed and developing countries alike, the programme covers all aspects of e-waste with a view to turning the threat of this global explosion of e-waste into an opportunity. The course is organised into five mini courses, which can be completed independently.

Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the BRS Conventions, said “E-waste is a growing challenge for our society, and on International E-Waste Day, we join hands to promote solutions, from prevention, recycling and the final disposal, fostering a circular model. The MOOC and live lectures will provide the latest knowledge on critical raw materials recycling from E-waste and the latest research available. The MOOC offers five courses in English and in Spanish that will introduce you to the challenge of e-waste and especially to its environmentally sound recycling. The course will guide you through the issues at stake and will expand on opportunities as well as on possible actions to take at the local, national and regional levels. It will also introduce you to policy tools, standards and best practices for the collection, recycling, and final disposal of e-waste”

“Sound e-waste management is key to our health, environmental sustainability, and recovering valuable raw materials,” said Seizo Onoe, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Bureau. “The ITU standards covered by this course address the entire lifecycle of digital technologies to help you change the equations that lead to e-waste, handle e-waste sustainably, and create new jobs in recycling.”

World Resources Forum Managing Director, Mathias Schluep, said:

"Education is one of the most powerful tools to address the global e-waste challenge. Through the MOOC, we want to empower students, policymakers, and practitioners to see e-waste not as a burden but as an opportunity for innovation and sustainability. At the World Resources Forum, we were proud to contribute to two courses that build on our longstanding engagement in addressing e-waste challenges. Together, these courses provide learners with both the vision and the practical tools needed to understand the complexity of this waste stream and develop effective solutions."

Notes to editors:

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal was adopted in 1989 and entered into force in 1992. It is the most comprehensive international environment treaty on hazardous and other wastes and is almost as universal as the United Nations membership, with 191 Parties. With an overarching objective of protecting human health and the environment against the adverse effects of hazardous wastes, its scope covers a wide range of waste subject to transboundary movements: it includes wastes defined as hazardous based on their origin and/or composition and characteristics, as well as four types of waste defined as “other wastes”, namely household waste, residues arising from the incineration of household waste ash, certain plastic waste and certain electronic and electrical waste requiring special consideration.

For more information on E-Waste and the MOOC:

The Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, please contact asana.greenstreet-tommasino@un.org

International Telecommunication Union, please contact matthew.dalais@itu.int

World Resources Forum, please contact  rebecca.suhner@wrforum.org

UN scientific committee agrees that polybrominated dioxins and furans and mixed polybrominated and polychlorinated dioxins and furans meet all criteria for persistent organic pollutants but defers its decision on moving to the next stage for global action under the Stockholm Convention.

Rome, 7 October 2025 – International experts meeting under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants agreed that newly proposed groups of toxic chemicals—polybrominated dioxins and furans and mixed polybrominated and polychlorinated dioxins and furans—meet all the criteria to be considered persistent organic pollutants (POPs). However, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) was unable to reach full consensus on whether global control measures are warranted at this stage.

The decision, taken at the Committee’s twenty-first meeting in Rome (29 September–3 October 2025), means that the Committee will continue its work on these chemicals, with a particular focus on information related to long-range environmental transport and adverse effects on human health. If the Committee agrees at a future meeting to move to the next stage in the process of controlling chemicals under the Convention, the proposed chemicals would be forwarded to the governing body of the Convention—the Conference of the Parties—for a final decision on global action and control. Given the deferred decision by the Committee, the earliest date at which the chemicals may be added to the Stockholm Convention by such a decision of the Conference of the Parties would be in 2029.

“The discussions reflected the Committee’s commitment to scientific rigour and consensus-based decision- making,” said Peter Dawson, Chair of the POPs Review Committee. “While further dialogue is needed, there is clear recognition that these substances meet the key criteria for persistence, bioaccumulation, long-range transport, and toxicity.”

Although these brominated and mixed dioxins and furans are not yet listed under the Convention, countries already have legal obligations and practical tools to address similar pollutants.

Under the Stockholm Convention, Parties must promote best available techniques (BAT) and best environmental practices (BEP) to prevent and minimize releases of unintentional POPs, including polychlorinated dioxins and furans.

Because the sources and formation mechanisms are similar, these same approaches—improving waste management, ending open burning, and controlling recycling of plastic waste and electronic and electrical waste (e-waste)—can also effectively reduce emissions of brominated and mixed dioxins.

“The Committee’s diligence continues to ensure that there is a sound basis for decision-making by all Parties,” said Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions. “By applying best available techniques to manage plastic waste and e-waste and prevent open burning, we can protect human health and the environment today from these chemicals.”

***

NOTES TO EDITORS

A legacy and a new challenge

Dioxins and furans were among the original “dirty dozen” chemicals that spurred the negotiation and adoption of the Stockholm Convention more than 20 years ago. The current discussions reflect the Convention’s ongoing scientific vigilance and its capacity to respond to new and emerging chemical threats.

The Committee’s deliberations in Rome have strengthened and continue to strengthen the scientific understanding of these pollutants and their risks. Experts highlighted the need for enhanced monitoring and research to better understand how long-range environmental transport contributes to adverse human health effects.

The proposal, submitted by Switzerland in 2020, seeks to list polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) and mixed polybrominated and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBCDD/Fs) under Annex C to the Convention, targeting the reduction and ultimate elimination of unintentional releases.

Unlike many other POPs, dioxins and furans are not intentionally produced. They are formed unintentionally during combustion and recycling processes, particularly from materials containing brominated flame retardants. Common sources include open burning of electronic and electrical waste (e-waste), plastic recycling, and waste incineration.

Although trace amounts of brominated dioxins and furans occur naturally, their widespread presence in the environment began in the 1960s, coinciding with the rapid expansion of brominated flame-retardant production and use. Studies show that these brominated and mixed dioxins are now widely present in the environment and in consumer products made from recycled plastics. Alarmingly, children’s toys from 26 countries were found to contain high levels of PBDD/Fs.

Once released, these chemicals persist in the environment for years and can travel great distances through the atmosphere. They have been detected as far away as northern Finland and across remote oceanic regions, at concentrations similar to other well-known dioxins.

They also accumulate in living organisms and move up the food chain, with residues found in fish, marine mammals, livestock, and human tissues worldwide. Their elimination from the human body can take several years, underscoring the risk of chronic exposure.

Like their chlorinated counterparts, brominated dioxins and furans can cause developmental, immune, reproductive, and carcinogenic effects.

Firefighters and e-waste workers show significantly higher exposure levels, while contaminated food remains a major source of intake for the general population. Children are particularly vulnerable—plastic toys made from recycled materials can contribute measurably to their daily dioxin exposure.

For instance, studies have reported egg samples from e-waste sites in Ghana containing up to 300 picograms toxic equivalents (TEQ) per gram of fat, while firefighters’ serum samples showed brominated dioxin levels ten times higher than chlorinated ones.

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants aims to protect human health and the environment from chemicals that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in living organisms, and travel long distances. The Convention currently controls 37 chemicals or groups of chemicals, including polychlorinated dioxins and furans, PCBs, DDT, PFOS, and others.

Through its scientific committee, the POPRC, the Convention continues to evaluate newly identified POPs to ensure that the most dangerous chemicals are addressed through global cooperation, sound science, and shared responsibility.

***

For information on the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee of the Stockholm Convention, contact: Kei Ohno Woodall, BRS Secretariat Senior Coordination Officer, kei.ohno@un.org

For media inquiries, contact: Maria Cristina Cardenas, Senior Policy and Strategy Advisor of the BRS Secretariat, maria-cristina.cardenas@un.org.

Rome, Italy, 26 September 2025 - From household gardens to large-scale agriculture, pesticides are widely used around the world, but many carry hidden dangers. At a time when one in eleven people face hunger, the sound management of pesticides, together with sustainable agriculture and food systems that protect both people and the environment, is more important than ever. This week, international experts meeting in Rome took a step towards protecting communities and the environment by recommending that methyl-parathion, a highly toxic pesticide, be added to the global watchlist under the Rotterdam Convention, an international treaty that establishes a Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure for the international trade of certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides.

Meeting at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the 21^st meeting of the Chemical Review Committee (CRC-21) brought together scientists, government officials, and observers from around the world. Over four days of intense discussion, the Committee recommended the inclusion of methyl-parathion in Annex III to the Rotterdam Convention. Annex III lists chemicals, making them subject to the PIC procedure, which requires exporting countries to obtain the prior informed consent of importing countries before such hazardous chemicals can be exported.

In addition, the Committee reviewed notifications of final regulatory action on seventeen other pesticides that countries had banned or severely restricted due to risks to human health or the environment. The Committee also reviewed three proposals for listing severely hazardous pesticide formulations (SHPFs). SHPFs are pesticide formulations that produce severe health or environmental effects as defined under the Convention. Developing countries and countries with economies in transition experiencing problems may under the Convention propose the listing of an SHPF based on established criteria.

For each chemical recommended for inclusion in Annex III and subject to the control procedure the Committee prepares a draft decision guidance document. Work is to begin now on preparing this document to accompany the recommendation in relation to methyl parathion. If the Committee finalizes the decision guidance document at its twenty-second meeting in 2026, it can be anticipated that the recommendation on methyl-parathion will be considered at the thirteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention (COP-13) in 2027. If approved, methyl-parathion will be added to Annex III, meaning Parties, including developing countries, will be better protected through the right to be informed and to give consent before the pesticide is imported – a crucial step toward sharing responsibility and information, safer trade and stronger protection for farmers, workers, and families worldwide.

By reviewing notifications and making recommendations for action on hazardous pesticides, the Rotterdam Convention continues to support its Parties in making informed choices that safeguard both people and the planet.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Methyl-parathion is an organophosphate insecticide and acaricide formerly used for agricultural use on cotton, garlic, rice, and other crops.

The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure (PIC) for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, promotes shared responsibility and facilitates cooperative efforts among its Parties to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of hazardous chemicals and pesticides.

The Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS Secretariat) brings together the three leading multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) that share the common objective of protecting human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes. http://www.brsmeas.org/

For information on the Rotterdam Convention, contact: Christine Fuell, Executive Secretary a.i. of the Rotterdam Convention, christine.fuell@fao.org

For media inquiries, contact: Maria Cristina Cardenas, Senior Policy and Strategy Advisor of the BRS Secretariat, maria-cristina.cardenas@un.org

Genève, Suisse, le 8 août 2025 - Le Secrétariat des Conventions de Bâle, Rotterdam et Stockholm (BRS) et le Fonds Français pour l’Environnement Mondial (FFEM) ont signé un accord de financement d’un montant de 2 millions d’euros pour lutter contre la pollution plastique au Cabo Verde, au Sénégal et dans l’ensemble de l’Afrique de l’Ouest francophone. Ce projet triennal vise à renforcer les capacités nationales pour réduire la pollution plastique, assurer une gestion écologiquement rationnelle des déchets plastiques, et protéger la santé humaine et l’environnement.

“Cette subvention de 2 millions d’euros n’est pas seulement un engagement financier – c’est un signal fort du leadership de la France dans la lutte mondiale contre la pollution plastique. Alors que des rapports récents mettent en lumière les risques sanitaires et environnementaux liés à l’exposition aux plastiques, ce partenariat avec le FFEM traduit l’urgence en actions concrètes, aidant les pays à passer des promesses mondiales à des solutions pratiques sur le terrain.”

Rolph Payet, Secrétaire exécutif des Conventions de Bâle, Rotterdam et Stockholm

Ce projet ambitieux BRS–FFEM permettra au Cabo Verde, au Sénégal, ainsi qu’aux pays francophones d’Afrique de l’Ouest (Bénin, Burkina Faso, Tchad, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinée, Guinée-Bissau, Mali, Mauritanie, Niger, Togo) de prendre des mesures concrètes contre la pollution plastique. En renforçant les législations nationales, les institutions et les systèmes de gestion des déchets, le projet soutiendra la mise en œuvre des obligations issues de la Convention de Bâle, tout en préparant les pays aux futures exigences du traité mondial sur les plastiques actuellement en négociation. Le projet repose sur les trois stratégies clés de la Convention de Bâle :

1. Le contrôle des mouvements transfrontières de déchets plastiques,
2. La gestion écologiquement rationnelle (GER) des déchets plastiques,
3. La réduction de la production de déchets plastiques.

En s’appuyant sur des outils développés avec le soutien de la Norvège, le projet bénéficie également d’un fort appui local, notamment via des contributions en nature des gouvernements du Cabo Verde et du Sénégal, ainsi qu’une implication active des acteurs privés et de la société civile, notamment dans les systèmes de collecte et la sensibilisation du public.

Concrètement, que prévoit le projet sur le terrain ?

Sur le terrain, ce projet déploiera un ensemble d’actions puissantes au Cabo Verde et au Sénégal, en combinant des initiatives pilotes ambitieuses avec des réformes nationales essentielles pour générer un changement durable.

Au Cabo Verde, le projet encouragera des pratiques plus écologiques et sans plastique dans l’industrie hôtelière, en réduisant les déchets plastiques grâce à des alternatives intelligentes et durables — telles que l’installation de filtres à microplastiques et la mise en place de systèmes de collecte à petite échelle — afin de rendre le tourisme plus vert et mieux préparé pour l’avenir. Il réunira également des organisations de la société civile au sein d’un réseau national fort, qui portera le recyclage communautaire, les alternatives locales sans plastique et les systèmes de collecte de déchets à petite échelle.

Au Sénégal, de nouveaux systèmes seront mis en place pour collecter et recycler les filets de pêche abandonnés et les sachets plastiques — transformant les déchets plastiques en opportunités économiques et en emplois. Les moyens de subsistance locaux basés sur le recyclage seront renforcés, offrant aux communautés les outils pour assainir leur environnement tout en développant leur économie.

Dans les deux pays, des inventaires des déchets plastiques seront élaborés afin de suivre les flux de plastique, de la production à l’élimination. Les cadres juridiques et politiques seront revus et renforcés pour améliorer l’application des règles de la Convention de Bâle sur les mouvements transfrontaliers de déchets. Le personnel gouvernemental bénéficiera de formations pratiques pour soutenir la mise en œuvre et l’application efficaces des réglementations, tandis que des campagnes de sensibilisation à l’échelle nationale seront déployées — sur les réseaux sociaux, à la télévision, dans des brochures, et au-delà. Des écoles sans plastique seront lancées au Cabo Verde et au Sénégal, pour éduquer et responsabiliser les jeunes à devenir les acteurs d’un avenir plus propre et plus durable.

Enfin, des activités régionales seront également mises en œuvre, telles que l’élaboration d’un plan de collaboration entre les pays francophones d’Afrique de l’Ouest pour renforcer le contrôle du commerce des déchets plastiques, l’élaboration d’une stratégie régionale pour la gestion écologiquement rationnelle (GER) des déchets plastiques, ainsi que des formations régionales sur ces thématiques.

“Le projet BRS-Plastique constitue une opportunité stratégique et opportune pour le Cap-Vert, le Sénégal et, plus largement, l’Afrique de l’Ouest francophone. Il témoigne de la forte volonté politique des gouvernements de la France, du Cap-Vert et du Sénégal de s’attaquer à la pollution plastique selon une approche fondée sur le cycle de vie. En s’alignant sur les efforts en cours dans la région, le projet est bien positionné pour générer des résultats plus durables et percutants sur le terrain, améliorant la santé humaine et la protection de l’environnement.”

M. Baba Drame, Directeur au Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Transition Écologique, Sénégal

Pourquoi est-ce important ?

La pollution plastique constitue une crise mondiale croissante, menaçant la biodiversité, les écosystèmes, la santé publique, les pêcheries et les moyens de subsistance locaux. En réponse, la communauté internationale s’emploie à refondre les cadres juridiques pour lutter contre les déchets plastiques à toutes les étapes de leur cycle de vie. La Convention de Bâle sur le contrôle des mouvements transfrontières de déchets dangereux et de leur élimination a introduit en 2021 de nouvelles règles visant à mieux contrôler les mouvements de déchets plastiques, à garantir leur gestion sûre et à réduire leur volume et leur toxicité. Ces amendements sont renforcés par la Convention de Stockholm sur les polluants organiques persistants, qui cible les substances toxiques présentes dans les plastiques, afin de réduire leurs effets nocifs tout au long du cycle de vie.

“Ce partenariat reflète l’engagement fort de la France à passer des paroles aux actes pour mettre fin à la pollution plastique. En investissant dans des solutions concrètes sur le terrain, nous renforçons le leadership régional, soutenons la réduction de la pollution plastique à la source, et contribuons à la mise en œuvre de la Convention de Bâle, tout en créant une dynamique en faveur d’un futur traité ambitieux sur les plastiques.”

Barbara Pompili, Ambassadrice de France pour l’environnement

Dans cette dynamique, lors de la cinquième session de l’Assemblée des Nations Unies pour l’environnement (ANUE-5) en février 2022, 175 pays ont approuvé l’élaboration d’un nouveau traité mondial sur la pollution plastique. Les négociations sont actuellement en cours à Genève, en Suisse (du 5 au 14 août 2025), dans le cadre du Comité Intergouvernemental de Négociation (CIN-5.2). Le projet BRS–FFEM contribue directement à la mission du Fonds Français pour l’Environnement Mondial (FFEM) de protéger l’environnement mondial en apportant des solutions concrètes, innovantes et évolutives pour la gestion des déchets en Afrique de l’Ouest — en cohérence avec les Objectifs de Développement Durable (ODD) et avec l’appui du Centre régional des Conventions de Bâle et de Stockholm basé au Sénégal. C’est un modèle de concrétisation des engagements mondiaux sur le terrain.

“Le projet s’inscrit pleinement dans la mission du FFEM de protéger l’environnement mondial tout en soutenant le développement local. En démontrant des solutions novatrices, évolutives et économiquement viables pour mettre fin à la pollution plastique, ce projet pourra servir de modèle pour une mise en œuvre à plus grande échelle en Afrique, voire dans d’autres régions.”

Stéphanie Bouziges-Eschmann, Secrétaire générale du Fonds Français pour l’Environnement Mondial

NOTES À L’ATTENTION DES RÉDACTEURS

La Convention de Bâle sur le contrôle des mouvements transfrontières de déchets dangereux et de leur élimination, adoptée en 1989 et entrée en vigueur en 1992, est le traité environnemental international le plus complet en matière de déchets dangereux et autres déchets. Elle est quasiment universelle, avec 191 Parties. Son objectif principal est de protéger la santé humaine et l’environnement contre les effets néfastes des déchets dangereux. Son champ d’application couvre un large éventail de déchets faisant l’objet de mouvements transfrontaliers, qualifiés de dangereux selon leur origine, leur composition et leurs caractéristiques, ainsi que quatre types de déchets dits « autres déchets » : les déchets ménagers, les résidus issus de l’incinération des déchets ménagers, certains déchets plastiques et certains déchets électroniques et électriques nécessitant une attention particulière.

La Convention de Rotterdam sur la procédure de consentement préalable en connaissance de cause (PIC) applicable à certains produits chimiques et pesticides dangereux dans le commerce international, adoptée en 1998 et entrée en vigueur en 2004, est administrée conjointement par l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour l’alimentation et l’agriculture (FAO) et le Programme des Nations Unies pour l’environnement (PNUE). Cette Convention juridiquement contraignante compte 167 Parties qui partagent la responsabilité de gérer de manière sûre les produits chimiques dans le commerce international. Elle n’impose pas d’interdictions, mais facilite l’échange d’informations entre les Parties sur les produits chimiques et pesticides dangereux, afin d’éclairer et d’améliorer la prise de décision au niveau national. Par le biais de la procédure PIC, elle fournit également un mécanisme juridiquement contraignant pour appuyer la prise de décision nationale concernant l’importation et l’exportation de certains produits chimiques et pesticides, et diffuse ces décisions aux Parties.

La Convention de Stockholm sur les polluants organiques persistants (POP), adoptée en 2001 et entrée en vigueur en 2004, est un traité mondial qui engage ses 186 Parties à prendre des mesures pour éliminer ou réduire la libération de POP dans l’environnement. Elle vise à protéger la santé humaine et l’environnement contre les produits chimiques qui restent intacts pendant de longues périodes, se dispersent à grande échelle, s’accumulent dans les tissus adipeux des humains et des animaux sauvages, et ont des effets nocifs sur la santé ou l’environnement.

Le Secrétariat des Conventions de Bâle, de Rotterdam et de Stockholm (Secrétariat BRS) appuie les Parties dans la mise en œuvre de ces trois principaux accords multilatéraux environnementaux sur la gestion écologiquement rationnelle des produits chimiques et des déchets, conformément aux mandats propres à chaque Convention et aux décisions de leurs organes directeurs.

Pour toute demande média, veuillez contacter :

Maria Cristina Cardenas-Fischer, Cheffe d’unité et Conseillère principale en politique et stratégie, Unité politique et

stratégie, Bureau exécutif, Secrétariat BRS, maria-cristina.cardenas@un.org | mea-brs-communications@un.org

Geneva, Switzerland, 8 August 2025 - The Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions and the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM) have signed a €2 million financing agreement to tackle plastic pollution in Cabo Verde, Senegal, and French-speaking West Africa. This three- year project will strengthen national capacities to reduce plastic pollution, ensure sound management of plastic waste and protect human health and the environment.

“This €2 million grant is not just a financial commitment—it’s a powerful signal of France’s leadership in the global fight against plastic pollution. At a time when recent reports link plastic exposure to serious health and environmental risks, this partnership with the FFEM turns urgency into action, helping countries translate global promises into practical, on-the-ground solutions.”

Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

This bold new BRS–FFEM project will empower Cabo Verde, Senegal, and Francophone West African countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Togo) to take real action against plastic pollution. By strengthening national laws, institutions, and waste management systems, the project will support countries in meeting their Basel Convention obligations— while also preparing them for future requirements under the forthcoming global plastics treaty. The project’s impact will stretch across governments, businesses, communities, and the informal sector, driving lasting change in how plastic is produced, used, and disposed of. The project tackles plastic pollution through three core strategies of the Basel Convention: 

1. controlling the transboundary movement (TBM) of plastic waste, 
2. ensuring the environmentally sound management (ESM) of plastic waste, and 
3. reducing the generation of plastic waste.

Building on tools developed with Norwegian support, the project also benefits from strong local backing, including in-kind contributions from the governments of Cabo Verde and Senegal and active involvement from private and civil society partners—from running collection systems to the production of awareness- raising materials.

What does this look like in reality?

On the ground, this project will roll out a powerful package of actions across Cabo Verde and Senegal, combining bold pilot initiatives with vital national reforms to deliver lasting change.

In Cabo Verde, the project will promote greener, plastic-free practices in the hotel industry by cutting plastic waste through smart, sustainable alternatives—such as the installation of microplastic filters and the operationalization of small-scale collection systems—making tourism greener and more future-ready. It will also bring together civil society organizations into a strong national network driving community-based recycling, local plastic-free alternatives, and small-scale waste collection systems.

In Senegal, new systems will be set up to collect and recycle discarded fishing nets and plastic sachets— transforming plastic waste into income opportunities and jobs. Local recycling-based livelihoods will be strengthened, giving communities the tools to clean up their environment and grow their economy.

Across both countries, plastic waste inventories will be developed to track plastic flows from production to disposal. Legal and policy frameworks will be reviewed and strengthened to improve enforcement of the Basel Convention’s rules on transboundary waste. Government staff will receive hands-on training to support effective implementation and enforcement, and nationwide awareness-raising campaigns will be rolled out—spanning social media, TV, brochures, and more. Plastic-free schools will be launched in Cabo Verde and Senegal, educating and empowering young people to take the lead in building a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Finally, regional activities will also be implemented, such as the development of a collaboration plan among Francophone countries in West Africa for the implementation of the control of plastic waste trade, the development of a regional strategy for the ESM of plastic waste, and regional training on these topics.

“The BRS-Plastic Project is a timely and strategic opportunity for Cape Verde, Senegal, and French-speaking West Africa more broadly. It reflects the strong political will of the Governments of France, Cape Verde, and Senegal to tackle plastic pollution through a life-cycle approach. By aligning with ongoing efforts in the region, the project is poised to generate more impactful and sustainable results on the ground improving human health and the environment.”

Baba Drame, Director in the Ministry of Environment and Ecological Transition, Senegal

Why this matters?

Plastic pollution is a growing global crisis, threatening biodiversity, ecosystems, public health, fisheries, and local livelihoods. In response, the global community is working to reshape international laws that tackle plastic waste across its life cycle. The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, introduced new rules in 2021 to better control cross-border movements of plastic waste, ensure its safe management, and reduce both its volume and toxicity. These amendments are reinforced by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants which target toxic chemicals found in plastics, helping to reduce their harmful impacts across the life cycle.

“This partnership reflects France’s deep commitment to moving from words to action to end plastic pollution. By investing in real solutions on the ground, we are helping to strengthen regional leadership, support the reduction of plastic pollution at source and the implementation of the Basel Convention, as well as build momentum towards a future ambitious plastics treaty.”

Barbara Pompili, French Ambassador for the Environment

Building on this momentum, at the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) in February 2022, 175 countries endorsed the development of a new global treaty on plastic pollution, with negotiations currently underway in Geneva, Switzerland (5–14 August 2025) at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2). The BRS–FFEM project directly contributes to the FFEM’s mission to protect the global environment by delivering innovative, scalable, and practical waste solutions across West Africa—aligned with the SDGs and backed by the Basel and Stockholm Conventions Regional Centre in Senegal. It’s a model of how global commitments can translate into real-world impact.

“The project directly contributes to the FFEM’s mission to protect the global environment and support local development. By demonstrating innovative, scalable, and economically viable solutions to end plastic pollution, the project will serve as a model for broader implementation across Africa, as well as in other regions.”

Stéphanie Bouziges-Eschmann, Secretary General, French Facility for Global Environment

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, adopted in 1989 and entered into force in 1992, is the most comprehensive international environment treaty on hazardous and other wastes and is almost universal, with 191 Parties. With an overarching objective of protecting human health and the environment against the adverse effects of hazardous wastes, its scope covers a wide range of waste subject to transboundary movements defined as hazardous based on their origin and/or composition and characteristics, as well as four types of waste defined as “other wastes”, namely household waste, residues arising from the incineration of household waste ash, certain plastic waste and certain electronic and electrical waste requiring special consideration.

The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure (PIC) for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, adopted in 1998 and entered into force in 2004, is jointly administered by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UN Environment (UNEP). The 167 Parties to this legally binding Convention share responsibility and cooperate to safely manage chemicals in international trade. The Convention does not introduce bans but facilitates the exchange of information among Parties on hazardous chemicals and pesticides, to inform and improve national decision making. In addition, through the PIC Procedure, it provides a legally binding mechanism to support national decision-making on the import and export of certain chemicals and pesticides and disseminates decisions to Parties.

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, adopted in 2001 and entered into force in 2004, is a global treaty requiring its 186 Parties to take measures to eliminate or reduce the release of POPs into the environment, to protect human health and the environment from chemicals that remain intact for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and wildlife, and have harmful impacts on human health or on the environment.

The Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, or BRS Secretariat, supports Parties implement these three leading multilateral environment agreements governing sound chemicals and waste management, according to the mandates in each Convention and as decided by the governing bodies.

For media enquiries, contact:

Maria Cristina Cardenas-Fischer, Head of Unit and Senior Policy and Strategy Advisor, Policy and Strategy Unit, Executive Office, BRS Secretariat, maria-cristina.cardenas@un.org and mea-brs-communications@un.org

Geneva, Switzerland, 9 May 2025 — After two weeks of intensive negotiations (28 April to 9 May), the 2025 meetings of the Conferences of the Parties (COPs) to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions concluded today at the Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG). Governments from 180 countries adopted a series of bold decisions to advance the sound management of chemicals and wastes, protect human health, safeguard the environment and biodiversity and contribute to tackling climate change.

“These landmark decisions arising from intense multilateral negotiations have a profound impact on how we can address pollution, and its interconnectedness with climate change and biodiversity.” Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

High Level Segment: A Call for United Global Action to Tackle Pollution, Advance Circularity and Strengthen Implementation

The High-Level Segment of the 2025 COPs convened ministers from around the world to reinforce their commitment to addressing pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss through multilateral and integrated action. Key messages included strong support for eliminating persistent organic pollutants (POPs), aligning chemicals and waste management with climate and biodiversity goals, strengthening legal frameworks and promoting regulatory tools such as extended producer responsibility. Governments underscored the need for enhanced technical cooperation, digital traceability and innovative financing, including blended finance, to translate global commitments into inclusive national action.

Basel Convention (BC COP-17) Advances Environmentally Sound Waste Management

In a major step forward, Parties adopted an amendment to Annex IV to update definitions of disposal operations - providing enhanced clarity as to what is defined as waste under the Convention with a view to improving its environmental controls.

Delegates also adopted a new strategic framework for the Convention for 2025-2031, along with recommendations to improve the Prior Informed Consent procedure, the cornerstone of the Convention for controlling transboundary movements of waste. In addition, Parties adopted a range of recommendations from the Implementation and Compliance Committee to enhance the support provided to Parties in fulfillment of their obligations under the Convention.

Further actions were decided to improve the environmentally sound management of e-waste and plastic waste, with a focus on strengthening the implementation of the recent amendments to the Convention addressing these challenging waste streams.

A new area of work was launched on used textiles and textile wastes, exploring the impact of such trade and the challenges faced by Parties, with a view to preparing recommendations on possible options offered by the Convention to address these challenges.

The COP also agreed to several technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of key waste streams, including technical guidelines on UV-328 waste, a persistent chemical used in plastics and by various industries to protect materials from degradation caused by UV radiation. Parties also updated technical guidelines to set more protective threshold values for the destruction of POPs waste. Parties highlighted the need to safely manage used tyres, batteries (including lead-acid batteries and other types) and mercury waste. They agreed to continue developing technical guidelines that set international standards and support countries in creating national laws and strategies needed for effective and sustainable waste management.

Rotterdam Convention (RC COP-12) Strengthens International Trade Governance and Chemical Safety

The Rotterdam Convention (RC COP-12) achieved important progress in strengthening chemical safety in international trade by listing one pesticide and one severely hazardous pesticide formulation in Annex III of the Convention making them subject to the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure and empowering Parties to take informed decisions regarding their future import.

Fenthion is a chemical used in some African countries to control Quelea birds, which can destroy entire fields of grain crops like millet and rice. These birds travel in huge flocks and cause serious damage, especially to small-scale farmers. Fenthion helps protect food supplies but due to its broad-spectrum toxicity and environmental persistence, it can also harm other birds, animals and people if not managed carefully.

Carbosulfan is a pesticide used on crops like rice, cotton and vegetables to kill pests such as insects and tiny worms in the soil. It helps farmers protect their crops and improve yields, but it’s also toxic to humans, wildlife and aquatic life.

“Though listing does not constitute a ban, alternatives with a reduced risk are vital to protect human health and the environment, and at the same time help ensure food security.” Christine Fuell, Executive Secretary a.i. of the Rotterdam Convention

Their listing also reinforces the Convention’s role in promoting transparency and safeguarding human health and the environment. In addition, RC COP-12 approved a programme of work for the Convention’s compliance committee and engaged in intensive deliberations on proposals to enhance the Convention’s effectiveness, underscoring commitment to ensuring safer, more transparent trade in hazardous chemicals globally.

Stockholm Convention (SC COP-12) Decisive Action to Eliminate and Restrict POPs

The Stockholm Convention (SC COP-12) advanced global chemical safety by listing medium chain chlorinated paraffins used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, paints and sealants and long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), commonly used in food packaging and firefighting foams. Listing these chemicals in Annex A to the Convention lines them up for elimination.

Chlorpyrifos, a highly toxic pesticide widely used in agriculture for locust and termite control and known to have adverse effects on the nervous system, was also listed. Specific, time-bound exemptions were agreed for the use of UV-328, a chemical commonly used to protect materials from degradation caused by UV radiation, specifically in the aviation industry, supporting the practical phase-out of harmful chemicals.

Parties recognized that over USD 18 billion of funding is needed to support countries in implementing their obligations under the Stockholm Convention during the 2026-2030 period. This submission, along with the 2025 and 2028 PCB elimination targets, will be prioritized for presentation to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for consideration during its ninth replenishment cycle. The newly operationalized Compliance Committee will provide both targeted and general support to help Parties fulfill their obligations under the Convention.

COPs Reinforce International Cooperation and Support to Advance Chemicals and Waste Management

The Conferences of the Parties (COPs) reaffirmed the vital importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges related to chemicals and waste. Parties adopted key decisions to enhance implementation through technical assistance and improved access to financing. They also committed to stronger collaboration with other environmental agreements and initiatives, including the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC), the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC), the Open-ended Working Group on the Science-Policy Panel on chemicals, waste, and pollution prevention, and multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) such as the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and related biodiversity conventions. Governments underscored that sound management of chemicals and waste is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Felix Neureuther Named BRS Conventions Advocate for Clean Mountains and Glaciers

The Conferences of the Parties welcomed the appointment of German alpine ski champion and long-standing environmental advocate Felix Neureuther as the BRS Conventions Advocate for Clean Mountains and Glaciers. In this role, Felix will collaborate with the BRS Conventions to promote prevention, support clean-up initiatives and engage youth - helping to amplify the Conventions’ mission to protect human health and the environment from the harmful impacts of hazardous chemicals and waste.

Notes to editors

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, adopted in 1989 and entered into force in 1992, is the most comprehensive international environment treaty on hazardous and other wastes and is almost universal, with 191 Parties. With an overarching objective of protecting human health and the environment against the adverse effects of hazardous wastes, its scope covers a wide range of waste subject to transboundary movements defined as hazardous based on their origin and/or composition and characteristics, as well as four types of waste defined as “other wastes”, namely household waste, residues arising from the incineration of household waste ash, certain plastic waste and certain electronic and electrical waste requiring special consideration.

The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure (PIC) for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, adopted in 1998 and entered into force in 2004, is jointly administered by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UN Environment (UNEP). The 167 Parties to this legally binding Convention share responsibility and cooperate to safely manage chemicals in international trade. The Convention does not introduce bans but facilitates the exchange of information among Parties on hazardous chemicals and pesticides, to inform and improve national decision making. In addition, through the PIC Procedure, it provides a legally binding mechanism to support national decision-making on the import and export of certain chemicals and pesticides and disseminates decisions to Parties.

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, adopted in 2001 and entered into force in 2004, is a global treaty requiring its 186 Parties to take measures to eliminate or reduce the release of POPs into the environment, to protect human health and the environment from chemicals that remain intact for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and wildlife, and have harmful impacts on human health or on the environment.

The Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, or BRS Secretariat, supports Parties implement these three leading multilateral environment agreements governing sound chemicals and waste management, according to the mandates in each Convention and as decided by the governing bodies.

For media enquiries, contact:

Maria Cristina Cardenas-Fischer, Head of Unit and Senior Policy and Strategy Advisor, Policy and Strategy Unit, Executive Office, BRS Secretariat, maria-cristina.cardenas@un.org and mea-brs-communications@un.org

Renowned alpine ski legend joins global push to protect mountain ecosystems from plastic and chemical pollution.

Geneva, Switzerland, 6 May 2025 — The Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) conventions is proud to announce German World Cup alpine ski legend and environmental advocate Felix Neureuther as the new BRS conventions Advocate for Clean Mountains and Glaciers. A lifelong environmental advocate, Felix Neureuther brings his passion for alpine conservation to the global stage, raising awareness about the threats of plastic and chemical pollution in mountain and glacier ecosystems.

With a career that includes three Winter Olympics, eight World Championships, and multiple medals, Felix Neureuther is also a vocal campaigner for climate action and sustainable development in the Alps. Since retiring in 2019, he has worked closely with scientists and environmental experts using cutting-edge technology to monitor the impact of climate change in high-altitude regions. His mission to protect the mountains and glaciers ecosystems aligns closely with the goals of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions of protecting human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and waste.

Plastic is the most common type of pollution found in remote and mountainous areas. The rapid increase in plastic pollution in these regions is driven, to a large extent, by tourism. Adding to the burden, microplastics which travel long distances often end up in remote and mountainous areas from the Arctic to the Alps, and from the Rockies to Mount Everest. Plastic pollution may also contain hazardous chemicals such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Likewise, some outdoor waterproof clothing and equipment may contain POPs.

As a BRS conventions Advocate, Felix Neureuther will champion the importance of pollution prevention in fragile ecosystems, support clean-up efforts, and engage youth and communities to act for a healthier planet.  This advocacy is especially timely as the world seeks stronger commitments to end plastic pollution, manage chemicals in an environmentally sound manner, and address environmental crises exacerbated by unsustainable consumption and production patterns. Felix Neureuther's voice will play a pivotal role in connecting science, policy, and public action under the BRS conventions framework.

 “The mountains have given me everything—my passion, my purpose, and my podium. Now it’s time to give back by protecting them from the invisible threat of pollution. Becoming the Advocate for Clean Mountains and Glaciers under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions feels like a natural fit, and I’m proud to help raise awareness for this critical cause.”

Felix Neureuther, BRS Conventions Advocate for Clean Mountains and Glaciers

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, adopted in 1989 and entered into force in 1992, is the most comprehensive international environment treaty on hazardous and other wastes and is almost universal, with 191 Parties. With an overarching objective of protecting human health and the environment against the adverse effects of hazardous wastes, its scope covers a wide range of waste subject to transboundary movements defined as hazardous based on their origin and/or composition and characteristics, as well as four types of waste defined as “other wastes”, namely household waste, residues arising from the incineration of household wastes ash, certain plastic wastes and certain electronic and electrical wastes requiring special consideration.

The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure (PIC) for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, adopted in 1998 and entered into force in 2004, is jointly administered by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UN Environment (UNEP). The 167 Parties to this legally binding Convention share responsibility and cooperate to safely manage chemicals in international trade. The Convention does not introduce bans but facilitates the exchange of information among Parties on hazardous chemicals and pesticides, to inform and improve national decision making. In addition, through the PIC Procedure, it provides a legally binding mechanism to support national decision-making on the import and export of certain chemicals and pesticides and disseminates decisions to Parties.

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, adopted in 2001 and entered into force in 2004, is a global treaty requiring its 186 Parties to take measures to eliminate or reduce the release of POPs into the environment, to protect human health and the environment from chemicals that remain intact for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and wildlife, and have harmful impacts on human health or on the environment.

The Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, or BRS Secretariat, supports Parties implement these three leading multilateral environment agreements governing sound chemicals and waste management, according to the mandates in each Convention and as decided by the governing bodies.

For media enquiries, contact: 

Maria Cristina Cardenas-Fischer, Head of Unit and Senior Policy Advisor, Policy and Strategy Unit, Executive Office, BRS Secretariat, maria-cristina.cardenas@un.org

Geneva, Switzerland, 2 May 2025 - Over 70 Ministers gathered in Geneva to strengthen global cooperation on the sound management of chemicals and waste through the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions.

The high-level segment, held on 30 April and 1 May under the theme “Make Visible the Invisible – Sound management of chemicals and wastes,” brought together global leaders to explore integrated solutions to the triple planetary crisis of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. The event fostered constructive dialogue and strong political engagement, as ministers and senior officials shared national experiences and reaffirmed their commitment to scaling up action on chemicals and waste.

Advancing global commitments

Through dynamic round-table discussions and interactive ministerial panels, the segment highlighted the critical role of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions in building safer, more resilient societies. Participants emphasized the need to strengthen multilateralism, bridge implementation gaps and integrate chemicals and waste management across climate, biodiversity and sustainable development agendas.

“We must also acknowledge that multilateralism is facing challenges. Geopolitical tensions and financial crises can at times weaken our ability to act collectively. That is why this conference – and this high-level segment in particular – are also valuable opportunities to reinforce international dialogue, a space where exchange and trust prevail.”

Katrin Schneeberger, State Secretary Federal Office of Environment, Switzerland

Building on recent global milestones—including the adoption of the Global Framework on Chemicals and progress towards a legally binding instrument on plastics pollution, the high-level segment aimed to accelerate progress by spotlighting three critical areas: Pollution, Circularity, and Means of Implementation.

Pollution: Ministers reaffirmed that pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss are deeply interconnected and require urgent, coordinated global action. Tackling transboundary pollution and environmental injustice was recognized as a matter of global solidarity and ethical responsibility. They stressed the importance of embedding sound chemicals and waste management in national development frameworks and aligning with global environmental goals.  

The Stockholm convention's work to eliminate persistent organic pollutants (POPs) was cited as a model for success, with strong calls to expand efforts to reduce toxic exposures and protect food security, water systems and vulnerable communities.

Circularity: Leaders underscored the vital role of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions in strengthening legal frameworks, implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) and reducing hazardous chemicals in product lifecycles.

“The Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions are essential global legally binding instruments to address pollution at its source, and to drive individual and collective efforts towards resource use efficiency and circularity.  But for them to succeed, implementation must be strengthened. This means having comprehensive legal frameworks, access to scientific information and expertise, and robust enforcement mechanisms.  We must work together to strengthen national capacities and ensure that technical and financial assistance reaches those countries that need it most.”

Mr. Hammad Shamimi, President of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention

Ministers called for stronger national implementation plans that promote recycling, reduce pollution, and use resources more efficiently. They emphasized the importance of laws such as extended producer responsibility schemes that make producers responsible for the full life of their products—including collection and recycling. To drive change, they urged the use of tools like landfill taxes, green purchasing rules, and the creation of Circular Economy Councils, with business involvement in shaping practical, enforceable policies that align with national goals and the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. Ministers further agreed on the need for more technical assistance, clean technology transfer, and the use of digital tools like permits and traceability platforms to improve waste tracking, ensure transparency, and advance global environmental goals.

“When waste or hazardous chemicals are not managed in an environmentally sound manner, people and planet pay the price. We need sustainable solutions that manage chemicals better, support greater circularity, reduce waste, and treat the waste that we do produce as a resource. These multilateral environmental agreements are committed to protecting human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes.”

Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme

Means of Implementation: Leaders acknowledged the substantial resources required to meet Convention obligations, welcoming the USD 800 million allocated by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for the Chemicals and Waste focal area, while recognizing that full implementation of the Stockholm Convention alone would require over USD 18 billion in the next five years.

Ministers called for innovative financing, stronger private sector involvement, and clear rules to support circular business models. They urged countries to combine international and domestic funding tools—like carbon taxes and extended producer responsibility—to drive change. Strong institutions, harmonized implementation of multilateral environmental agreements, regional cooperation, and cross-sector planning were seen as key, especially in low-capacity settings. Support from developed countries through fair trade, technology transfer, and waste solutions was encouraged, along with greater public awareness and digital tools to boost pollution control and environmental protection.

“We now have an opportunity, and an obligation, to demonstrate that environmental commitments – here to eliminate PCBs by 2028 – are meaningful and achievable, including in developing countries. We [World Bank] are therefore again partnering with the GEF, the BRS Secretariat and other GEF implementing agencies to develop a Global Elimination Program for PCBs, which we will launch here [Geneva] with a side event on Thursday 1 May. The first phase will be implemented by the African Development Bank, UNEP, UNDP and the World Bank in 6 African countries and aims to eliminate over 8000 tons of PCB oil supported by 44 million in GEF grant funding plus co-financing. The Program is designed to scale up, and more countries are waiting to join.”

Juergen Voegele, Vice President for Sustainable Development, The World Bank

Ministers also emphasized the need to strengthen the Basel and Stockholm convention regional centres for training and technology transfer to support local implementation, particularly in developing countries, LDCs, and SIDS.

“FAO as one of the hosting organizations of the Rotterdam convention works closely with all stakeholders through its country offices with global coverage. The conventions have come a long way, yet we know that challenges remain - especially in the agricultural sector. Agriculture both contributes to and is affected by climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Therefore, we urgently need to find and scale up solutions that ensure food security and protect human health and the environment. All eyes are on us – some hopeful, some more critical - and expectations are high. We must live up to these expectations and not leave anyone behind.”

Beth Bechdol, Deputy-Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations,

The segment concluded with strong consensus on the need to translate new COPs mandates into national action, ensure coherence across international agreements, and foster inclusive implementation at all levels of governance.

“In a nutshell, we cannot address biodiversity loss or climate change unless we tackle pollution by hazardous chemicals and wastes head-on. Protecting our planet requires urgent and coordinated action to reduce hazardous chemicals and promote sound waste management at every level.”

Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, adopted in 1989 and entered into force in 1992, is the most comprehensive international environment treaty on hazardous and other wastes and is almost universal, with 191 Parties. With an overarching objective of protecting human health and the environment against the adverse effects of hazardous wastes, its scope covers a wide range of waste subject to transboundary movements defined as hazardous based on their origin and/or composition and characteristics, as well as four types of waste defined as “other wastes”, namely household waste, residues arising from the incineration of household wastes ash, certain plastic wastes and certain electronic and electrical wastes requiring special consideration.

The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure (PIC) for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, adopted in 1998 and entered into force in 2004, is jointly administered by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UN Environment (UNEP). The 167 Parties to this legally binding Convention share responsibility and cooperate to safely manage chemicals in international trade. The Convention does not introduce bans but facilitates the exchange of information among Parties on hazardous chemicals and pesticides, to inform and improve national decision making. In addition, through the PIC Procedure, it provides a legally binding mechanism to support national decision-making on the import and export of certain chemicals and pesticides and disseminates decisions to Parties.

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, adopted in 2001 and entered into force in 2004, is a global treaty requiring its 186 Parties to take measures to eliminate or reduce the release of POPs into the environment, to protect human health and the environment from chemicals that remain intact for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and wildlife, and have harmful impacts on human health or on the environment.

The Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, or BRS Secretariat, supports Parties implement these three leading multilateral environment agreements governing sound chemicals and waste management, according to the mandates in each Convention and as decided by the governing bodies.

For media enquiries, contact: 

Maria Cristina Cardenas-Fischer, Head of Unit and Senior Policy and Strategy Advisor, Policy and Strategy Unit, Executive Office, BRS Secretariat, maria-cristina.cardenas@un.org and mea-brs-communications@un.org.

Geneva, Switzerland, 30 April 2025 — Over 1,600 participants representing approximately 170 countries and regional economic integration organizations, and 260 observer organizations have already convened in Geneva, Switzerland, for the 2025 meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS COPs) taking place from 28 April to 9 May 2025. These legally binding environmental treaties play a pivotal role in protecting human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes.

Held under the unifying theme “Make Visible the Invisible,” the meetings taking place at the Geneva International Conference Centre, were preceded by preparatory meetings on 27 April 2025. The COPs will focus on efforts to address hazardous chemical and waste pollution that continues to pose significant threats to human health and the environment.

A High-Level Segment, taking place from 30 April - 1 May 2025, will bring together ministers and high-level dignitaries from across the globe. Through ministerial roundtables, interactive panels, and bilateral engagements, the segment aims to renew political commitment to the BRS conventions and foster global dialogue on three core sub-themes: Pollution, Circularity, and Means of Implementation. The High-Level Segment will conclude with a press conference on the afternoon of 1 May 2025 at 16:30 CET, at the Palais des Nations, to highlight key outcomes and renewed momentum for addressing the interconnected crises of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.

The Seventeenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (BC COP-17) will consider, among others, classification and hazard characterisation of wastes; technical guidelines on a range of wastes including but not limited to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) wastes, waste lead-acid batteries, pneumatic tyres, electronic and electrical waste (e-wastes), waste containing nanomaterials, mercury wastes, and plastic wastes. The meeting will also consider the Basel Convention Partnership Programme and activities related to partnerships on plastic, e-waste, and household waste. Under legal, governance and enforcement matters, there will be consideration of work on providing further legal clarity including amendment proposals on AnnexIV to the Basel Convention developed by an expert working group; and the work of the Convention’s Implementation and Compliance Committee on issues such as national reporting, illegal traffic, national legislation and Guidance on how Parties can integrate actions to address their needs under the Convention in the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks.

The Twelfth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention (RC COP-12) will consider the listing of 10 hazardous chemicals in Annex III, making them subject to the prior informed consent procedure under the Convention. This includes 4 new chemicals: chlorpyrifos and methyl bromide which are used to control various pests in agricultural crops; paraquat which is used in agriculture for weed control and mercury which is used in particular in small-scale artisanal gold mining, as well as products such as lamps, batteries, medical and measuring devices and dental amalgam. The 6 returning chemicals are: acetochlor and paraquat dichloride (pesticide), fenthion formulations, iprodione and carbosulfan (pesticide), and chrysotile asbestos (industrial) that has historically been used in building materials. In addition, Parties will also consider an item on enhancing the effectiveness of the Convention, including proposed amendments to Article 16 on technical assistance and a report compiling information received from Parties on this matter. The meeting will also discuss the report on the activities of the Compliance Committee on both specific submissions and reviews of systemic issues of general compliance.

The Twelfth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (SC COP-12) will consider the recommendations from the scientific body to include the following persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Annex A to the Convention for elimination: 1) Chlorinated paraffins that are used in in metalworking fluids as lubricants, and also used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, as well as in paints, sealants, and rubber; 2) Chlorpyrifos an insecticide widely used in agriculture. It is a highly toxic organophosphate insecticide known to have adverse effects on the nervous system, posing significant health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women.; and 3) Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC PFCAs) that are commonly used in industrial and consumer products such as in the manufacture of semiconductors, printing inks, paints and coatings, paper and food packaging, waterproof textiles, cleaning products, and firefighting foams. There will also be consideration of reports on progress towards the elimination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and DDT. With an upcoming expiry of specific exemptions that are available for certain chemicals, the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention will for the first time consider requests for extension. Parties will further consider an updated guidance on the global monitoring plan, adoption of the workplan and review of the financial mechanism.

Cross-cutting issues: In addition to individual convention matters, all three meetings of the COPs will jointly consider cross-cutting issues like technical assistance, international cooperation and coordination, and the programme of work and budget for the coming two years.

For media enquiries, contact:

Maria Cristina Cardenas-Fischer, Head of Unit and Senior Policy and Strategy Advisor, Policy and Strategy Unit, Executive Office, BRS Secretariat, maria-cristina.cardenas@un.org and mea-brs-communications@un.org.

Geneva, 16 December 2024 – The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council has approved a groundbreaking global programme dedicated to the elimination of a class of harmful chemicals called polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) primarily found in electrical transformers around the world. This ambitious initiative combines USD 43.8 million in GEF grant funding with USD 163 million in partner co-financing and represents a major milestone towards meeting the Stockholm Convention’s 2025 and 2028 PCB elimination goals and facilitating the energy transition to reduce the effects of climate change.

The Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, Mr. Rolph Payet, said that “the approval of the Global Elimination Programme for PCBs marks a critical step toward achieving the 2025 and 2028 goals of the Stockholm Convention. This program exemplifies the transformative potential of innovative financing and collaborative efforts in achieving global environmental targets, bringing together the GEF and its agencies, the BRS Secretariat, and key donors to align resources and expertise. By tackling the challenges of PCB elimination through forward-thinking partnerships and sustainable practices, we are advancing environmental protection and laying the groundwork for a healthier future”.

The Global Elimination Programme for PCBs (GEP-PCB, GEF ID 11749), showcases the power of partnership and innovation in tackling complex environmental issues by bringing together a powerful coalition of partners that include the World Bank, the Secretariats of the GEF and the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions, and key GEF agencies, including the African Development Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This gigantic joint effort brings together expertise, resources, and innovative solutions, such as blended finance, to tackle PCB management and environmentally sound disposal, aimed at protecting global health.

"As a longstanding advocate for global environmental health, Norway applauds the approval of the GEF Global Programme on PCB elimination. This initiative is vital for achieving the 2025 and 2028 goals of the Stockholm Convention. By tackling this legacy pollutant through a sectoral approach that integrates PCB elimination with renewable energy and electrification, the programme exemplifies innovative and sustainable solutions to global challenges. Norway is proud to support the GEF's catalytic role in addressing such urgent environmental issues in an integrated way."

Tore O. Sandvik, Minister of Climate and Environment of Norway and GEF Donor.

“The GEF is pleased to support a new initiative focused on the elimination of PCBs, a persistent organic pollutant that poses significant risks to human health and the environment. This programme responds to the request from countries to the GEF, to accelerate action on PCBs ahead of the 2025 and 2028 phase out deadline for these dangerous chemicals and aligns with GEF-8 programming strategies and regional priorities, supporting country-driven strategies to achieve global environmental benefits. This new initiative is the result of a collaborative effort among the countries, BRS Secretariat, the GEF Secretariat and the GEF implementing agencies and demonstrates the strength of the GEF partnership in solving challenging environmental issues.”

Anil Bruce Sookdeo, Coordinator, Chemicals and Waste, Global Environment Facility (GEF)

This initiative will support developing countries in updating and verifying their PCB inventories, scale up safe disposal practices, and replace outdated transformers as they engage in the renewable energy transition. By incorporating PCB elimination into the broader energy projects led by the World Bank and other Multilateral Development Banks— the programme will not only address harmful contamination but also pave the way for reducing dangerous carbon emissions.

“The World Bank is committed to supporting global efforts to eliminate PCBs and transition to cleaner, sustainable energy systems. This programme is a game-changer in tackling hazardous chemicals while aligning with development priorities like electrification and renewable energy adoption. If we want to ensure a livable planet for all, no country should be left behind in meeting the 2025 and 2028 Stockholm Convention goals.”

Genevieve Connors, acting Global Director for Environment at the World Bank

“UNDP welcomes the approval of the GEF Global Elimination Programme for PCBs as a critical step towards addressing one of the world's most persistent pollutants. This programme leverages innovative sectoral approaches by linking PCB management with the transition to renewable energy, contributing to a sustainable and electrified future. With leadership of BRS and collaboration through GEF programs, we are confident that the 2025 and 2028 goals of the Stockholm Convention will become a reality.”

Xiaofang Zhou, Director, UNDP Chemicals & Waste Hub

This international collaboration was made possible through crucial support from the European Union, France, and Germany during the programme’s development phase. Their contributions underscore the collective commitment of Parties to the Stockholm Convention to fulfill their obligations while leveraging the GEF’s position as a global financial leader in environmental protection.

The Global Programme is expected to deliver significant global environmental benefits, including the elimination of approximately 8,750 tons of PCBs in Cameroon, Eswatini, Gabon, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Uganda (participating countries in phase 1). It will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.5 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent through the replacement of old, inefficient transformers. Moreover, the programme will improve the operational and energy efficiency of electricity grids in the participating countries, thus contributing to broader climate change mitigation efforts.

“Gabon is happy to be part of the global efforts of PCB elimination and will work with UNEP to eliminate PCBs from the country and shifting towards a more energy efficient, pollution free planet."

Madame Arcadie Svetlana MINGUENGUI NDOMBA, épouse N’ZOMA, Minister of Environment, Climate, and Human-Wildlife Conflict

“I have the honor to inform you that the Republic of Cameroon is committed to eliminating PCBs in line with the Stockholm Convention deadlines and is thankful for the financial support from the GEF and technical assistance from UNEP and BRS Secretariat in moving forward towards this goal.”

Aoudou Joswa, Chief of Environmental Inspection Brigade, Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development, Cameroon

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS Secretariat) brings together the three leading multilateral environmental agreements that share the common objective of protecting human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes. http://www.brsmeas.org/

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, adopted in 2001 and entered into force in 2004, is a global treaty requiring its Parties to take measures to eliminate or reduce the release of POPs into the environment, to protect human health and the environment from chemicals that remain intact for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and wildlife, and have harmful impacts on human health or on the environment. http://chm.pops.int/

The group of chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is one of the original twelve POPs covered by the Stockholm Convention. They possess properties including longevity, heat absorbance and form an oily liquid at room temperature that is useful for electrical utilities and in other industrial applications.

Due to their physico-chemical properties, PCBs were manufactured worldwide for use in a wide range of applications, most importantly as insulating fluids in transformers. PCBs were also used in other types of closed and semi-closed applications, such as capacitors, as well as in so-called ‘open applications, such as paints, sealants and carbon paper.

PCBs can cause serious health effects in humans and animals, including reproductive impairment and immune system dysfunctions. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified PCBs as Group 1 “carcinogenic to humans”. PCBs have been detected in human milk, and in some cases, observed levels for indicator PCBs were several orders of magnitude higher than the WHO safety level. Once in the environment, PCBs enter the food chain.

https://www.pops.int/Implementation/IndustrialPOPs/PCB/Overview/tabid/273/Default.aspx

For media inquiries, contact: Maria Cristina Cardenas, Senior Policy and Strategy Advisor of the BRS Secretariat. Email: maria-cristina.cardenas@un.org.