PARIS: A comprehensive roadmap to mitigate environmental risks associated with chemicals and waste exposure has been unanimously adopted at the fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management in Bonn, Germany. Governments, corporations, and non-governmental organizations collaborated on the Global Framework on Chemicals, an initiative orchestrated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). This plan outlines 28 specific targets and guidelines spanning the entire chemical lifecycle, encompassing aspects from production to waste management.
Among the key objectives are measures to prevent illegal trafficking of chemicals and waste, the implementation of national legislation, and the phasing out of highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture by 2035. The framework also emphasizes the transition to more sustainable chemical alternatives, responsible chemical management in sectors such as industry, agriculture, and healthcare, and increased accessibility to information regarding chemical risks.
Significance of Reducing Impact of Chemicals
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, emphasized the importance of ensuring global citizens can live and work without the fear of falling ill due to chemical exposure. She urged governments and the chemical industry to exceed agreed-upon standards to safeguard people and the planet.
Germany, a host of the conference, pledged 20 million euros to support the implementation of the framework under UNEP’s administration. Alongside the adoption of the Global Framework on Chemicals, participants committed to the Bonn Declaration, vowing to prevent exposure to harmful chemicals. The declaration also calls for the phased elimination of the most hazardous substances where applicable and enhanced safe management practices where these chemicals are necessary.
