Page 165 - CW E-Magazine (24-10-2023)

News from Abroad

CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT

UN conference adopts plan to reduce environmental

risks from chemicals

A new roadmap to reduce the envi-
ronmental risks from chemicals and
waste was adopted at a United Nations
conference held in Bonn, Germany
recently as part of a drive to manage
damaging chemical exposure.

The fifth International Conference
on Chemicals Management (ICCM5)
organised by the UN Environment Pro-
gramme (UNEP) concluded with the
adoption of a ‘Global Framework on
Chemicals’, that sets concrete targets
and guidelines for key sectors across
the entire life cycle of chemicals. Rep-
resentatives from governments, the
private sector, NGOs, youth and aca-
demia participated in the negotiations
at ICCM5 that resulted in the decision
to establish the new framework.
“Slow or weak implementation will They also expressed their will to
The plan sets out 28 concrete tar- come back to haunt us in the shape of “actively promote and support transi-
gets and guidelines including prevent- more deaths, more assaults on nature tions to circular economies, including
ing illegal trafficking of chemicals and more economic losses,” she added. through the development of safe chemi-
and waste, bringing in national legis- cal and non-chemical alternatives and
lation and phasing out highly hazar- A decision was made to unlock finan- substitutes, which protect health and the
dous pesticides in agriculture by 2035. cing for the implementation of the environment, and lead to reduced waste,
It also calls for a transition to more framework from different sources. recycling free from harmful chemicals
sustainable chemical alternatives, the Germany, the President of ICCM5, and efficient resource utilisation.”
responsible management of chemicals pledged €20-mn to the fund, which will
in sectors like industry, agriculture be administered by UNEP. The International Council of Chemi-
and healthcare, and for more access to cal Associations (ICCA), which repre-
information about the associated risks With the adoption of the new frame- sented the global chemical industry at
of different chemicals. work, pollution and waste is recognised ICCM5, issued a statement following
at the same level as climate change the conference saying that it has been
“Everyone on this planet should be and nature and biodiversity loss, which “a strong supporter” of the UN-led
able to live and work without fear of already have UN frameworks in place. Strategic Approach to International
falling sick or dying from chemical Chemical Management (SAICM), the
exposure,” said Ms. Inger Andersen, ICCM5 participants also adopted new Global Framework on Chemicals
Executive Director of UNEP. She called the Bonn Declaration, in which they and the Bonn Declaration, “utilising the
on “governments, the chemicals industry committed to “prevent exposure to voluntary, multi-stakeholder approach
and everyone involved to go above and harmful chemicals, and phase out the that enables all relevant stakeholders to
beyond what has been agreed to protect most harmful ones, where appropriate, contribute to building a stronger foun-
people and the planet upon which we and enhance the safe management of dation for sound management of chemi-
all depend.” such chemicals where they are needed.” cals and waste.”

Chemical Weekly October 24, 2023 165

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