As the preparations for the first International Conference accelerate ahead of 16-20 November 2026, we are pleased to share our progress towards achieving our vision of a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste. We also invite you to follow us on our official LinkedIn channel for more updates.
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Secretariat engages in chemicals and waste negotiations briefing
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The Global Framework on Chemicals Secretariat joined the Chemicals and Waste Negotiations Briefing organized by the Geneva Environment Network with conventions and partners. The briefing provided a platform to share priorities for the year ahead, including preparations for the first International Conference on 16 to 20 November in Geneva. The Conference will serve as a key milestone to track progress, accelerate implementation, and mobilize investment toward a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste.
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Advancing measurability and indicators for the Framework
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The Global Framework on Chemicals successfully convened its Hybrid Expert Group Meeting on 19–20 February in Geneva, bringing together experts from across sectors and stakeholder communities to advance the measurability structure of the Framework. Participants worked to refine and prioritize indicators, strengthen alignment across strategic objectives, and advance approaches for high-level indicators on environmental burden and disease which are the key measures for assessing global impact. The outputs from this meeting will be discussed at the Open-ended ad hoc group meeting on measurability and indicators on the 31 March 2026 and recommendations will be forwarded to the International Conference in November for decision. The aim is to make sure that the Framework and its activities will be assessed by credible and coherent metrics.
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Progress on the Gender Action Plan
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The Secretariat has developed a draft Gender Action Plan informed by two rounds of online consultations and facilitated discussions with stakeholders. Two dedicated webinars were held on 22 January 2026 and 12 February 2026 allowed participants to review progress and provide inputs. The process supports finalization of a practical and results focused plan to strengthen gender responsiveness across implementation of the Framework.
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Progress on Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution
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Focal Point induction programme piloted
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The Global Framework on Chemicals, with the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre, launched the first session of the Focal Point Induction Programme in pilot format. The training session, focused on newly nominated government focal points, brought together experts supporting national and regional implementation. The programme includes thematic modules scheduled through April 2026 and aims to strengthen capacity, coordination, and collaboration across regions.
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Progress on the Global Framework on Chemicals Fund
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The Fund closed its second application round on 15 December and selections are under review for the Executive Board meeting on 23-25 March. Final decisions are expected around September or October 2026. Four approved regional projects across 11 countries from the first round of applications in Africa and Latin America are scheduled to begin implementation in the first half of 2026.
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New publication on domestic financing launched
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The latest publication from the Special Programme provides practical guidance to strengthen domestic financing for sound chemicals and waste management. The document supports countries in aligning national financing approaches with the Global Framework on Chemicals. We thank the Government of Germany for its continued partnership in supporting sustainable and nationally led solutions.
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IOMC Webinar Series: Preparation of IC-1 Report on Existing EPIs and other IOCs
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IOMC will host a webinar on 19 March 2026 at 13:00-14:30 (CET) to present progress on a report on existing emerging policy issues and other issues of concern prepared for the first International Conference. Organizations will share updates and engage stakeholders on topics such as lead in paint, chemicals in products, hazardous substances in electronics, nanomaterials, endocrine disrupting chemicals, persistent pharmaceutical pollutants, perfluorinated chemicals, and highly hazardous pesticides. For registration details, please click here. Interpretation will be available in French, Russian, and Spanish.
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Eighth meeting of the open-ended ad hoc group on measurability and indicators
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The eighth meeting of the Open-Ended Ad Hoc Group on Measurability and Indicators will be held online on 31 March 2026 from 14:00 to 16:00 (CET). The meeting will present indicators identified during the Hybrid Expert Meeting of 19 and 20 February 2026 with the objective of establishing a consolidated view and recommendation of the overall measurability framework. To attend the event please register here.
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Save the date: Information sessions for the first International Conference
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Th Global Framework on Chemicals Secretariat is planning to organize a series of hybrid information sessions for the Global Framework on Chemicals - first International Conference in partnership with the Geneva Environment Network on 19 May, 1 September, and 27 October. Further details will be shared soon.
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.png "Participants engage at the IOMC workshop, held 22 June 2025. Credit: IOMC/Jonathan Krueger")
.png "UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen at the Advancing Integrated Action on Chemicals and Waste Booth during UNEA-7. Credit: Erdenesukh/GFC")
.png "The first international conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals will be held 15–20 November 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. Marked by political commitment, cross-sector cooperation and a focus on measurable implementation, the conference aims to set the stage for large-scale global action on chemical safety, sustainable chemicals management, and protection of human health and the environment. Stay tuned here for updates.")
.png "The first international conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals will be held 15–20 November 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. Marked by political commitment, cross-sector cooperation and a focus on measurable implementation, the conference aims to set the stage for large-scale global action on chemical safety, sustainable chemicals management, and protection of human health and the environment. Stay tuned here for updates.")
.png "The first international conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals will be held 15–20 November 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. Marked by political commitment, cross-sector cooperation and a focus on measurable implementation, the conference aims to set the stage for large-scale global action on chemical safety, sustainable chemicals management, and protection of human health and the environment. Stay tuned here for updates.")
.png "The first international conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals will be held 15–20 November 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. Marked by political commitment, cross-sector cooperation and a focus on measurable implementation, the conference aims to set the stage for large-scale global action on chemical safety, sustainable chemicals management, and protection of human health and the environment. Stay tuned here for updates.")
.png "The first international conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals will be held 15–20 November 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. Marked by political commitment, cross-sector cooperation and a focus on measurable implementation, the conference aims to set the stage for large-scale global action on chemical safety, sustainable chemicals management, and protection of human health and the environment. Stay tuned here for updates.")
.png "The first international conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals will be held 15–20 November 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. Marked by political commitment, cross-sector cooperation and a focus on measurable implementation, the conference aims to set the stage for large-scale global action on chemical safety, sustainable chemicals management, and protection of human health and the environment. Stay tuned here for updates.")
