Ad hoc open-ended working group on a science-policy panel on chemicals, waste and pollution prevention

In March 2022, at the resumed fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), Member States decided that a science-policy panel should be established to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution.

At the request of UNEA, UNEP convened an ad hoc open-ended working group (OEWG) to prepare proposals for the science-policy panel, aiming to complete its work by the end of 2024.

By providing policy-relevant advice, a science-policy panel could support countries in their efforts to take chemicals and pollution action, including the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements and the promotion of the sound management of chemicals and waste.

Two sessions of the OEWG took place in 2022 and 2023. The third session will be held at the International Conference Center in Geneva (CICG), Switzerland from 17 to 21 June 2024. In addition to agreeing on the Panel’s name, the OEWG will need to finalize their deliberations on several issues necessary to finalize the proposals for the establishment of a science-policy panel.

For more information, contact the secretariat at spp-cwp@un.org