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Global
Framework on Chemicals Update
September
2025 |
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Charting
our path towards the International Conference: A
Message from the Global Framework on Chemicals
Secretariat
As
awareness of the global impacts of chemicals and
waste continues to grow, so does the urgency for
coordinated and sustained action. I’m heartened by
the increasing engagement from governments,
industry, and civil society in advancing the
Global Framework on Chemicals. Each step forward
brings us closer to the International Conference
in November 2026, a pivotal moment where
collective ambition and collaboration will be
critical to charting the path forward.
Building
on the energy of the Open-Ended Working Group
(OEWG) in Uruguay, we’re focused on expanding
outreach and deepening collaboration in the
lead-up to the conference. Working with our
partners we will be active in virtual and
in-person events around the world—from exploring
chemical safety in Qatar to supporting safer
solutions in the textiles sector during Milan
Fashion
Week. | |
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All
this will lay important groundwork for the
discussions and decisions ahead. This newsletter
highlights updates, resources, and opportunities
to engage as we collectively move toward the
International Conference. We invite you to help
spread the word—because the more voices we bring
on this journey, the stronger our shared impact
will be when we meet on the global stage next
year.
—Kay
Williams
Global
Framework on Chemicals
Secretariat
Chemicals
and Health Branch, Industry and Economy
Division
United
Nations Environment
Programme | | |
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Representatives
from the International Pollutants Elimination
Network take a photo break at the
OEWG.
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Laying
the Groundwork for Global Action: From OEWG to the
2026 International Conference
Following
a summer of reflection and regrouping after the
success of the June
OEWG, we are moving forward with
renewed energy along with our partners. The week
in Punta del Este, Uruguay, was more than a
milestone—it was a powerful moment of connection
for stakeholders committed to safe and sustainable
chemicals management. For the first time since the
Framework’s adoption in 2023, people from across
sectors and regions came together in person to
collaborate and chart the next phase of
work.
The
OEWG served as a springboard for action across
multiple priorities. Sector-specific sessions
during Multi-Stakeholder Day moved forward
planning for Implementation Programmes (IPs) in
textiles, electronics, healthcare, and buildings
and construction—with the goal of submitting
proposals at the 2026 International Conference.
Learn more under the IOMC update
below.
The
meeting also advanced key work on the Gender
Action Plan and the Global Alliance on Highly
Hazardous Pesticides. Just as important, a dynamic
lineup of side events spurred exchange on
cross-cutting themes like capacity building,
health and worker safety, financing, disclosure
and reporting, and international
cooperation.
The
OEWG reminded us of what’s possible when diverse
voices unite behind a shared goal. The momentum
sparked in Punta del Este continues to grow—laying
the foundation for an impactful International
Conference in 2026.
For
a recap of the event, read the meeting
report or review ENB’s
coverage of the event.
Expect
updates soon!
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Get
Ready: Our New Round of Fund Support is Opening
Soon!
Big
news—The Global Framework on Chemicals Fund will
soon launch its second call for project proposals!
If you're working to strengthen chemicals and
waste management in a developing country, this is
a major opportunity you won’t want to
miss.
Grants
between $300,000 and $800,000 will be available
for projects up to three years long. Whether
you're focused on improving policies, building
institutional capacity, or advancing safer
alternatives, the Fund is here to support your
efforts. This round includes a simpler two-step
application process: first, submit a short concept
note. If selected, you’ll be invited to submit a
full proposal—with expert feedback to guide
you.
The
Fund was created to help countries put the
Framework into action. Thanks to the generous
contributions of donors, the Fund is already
helping drive progress—and your country or
organization could be next.
Earlier
this year, the Fund awarded its first
four grants,
supporting:
- A
regional shift to agroecology in Ethiopia,
Kenya, and Tanzania
- Safer
pesticide practices in Benin, Burkina Faso,
Guinea, and Senegal
- Stronger
national systems and data tools in Peru and
Colombia
- GHS
implementation in El Salvador and
Honduras
The
next round opens 30 September 2025 and closes on
15 December 2025. An informational
webinar is coming soon - keep an eye
out for details!
Please
share this news widely with your networks—and if
you’re eligible, we strongly encourage you to
apply!
We
have also developed a set of 9 social media cards
available in 7 languages. Please download them here and share
through your communication
channels.
Learn
more: unep.org/global-framework-chemicals/gfc-fund | | |
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Worker
Safety in Focus
How
can we better protect the people on the frontlines
of chemicals and waste management? That question
brought together 176 participants for a powerful
webinar in May, which we co-hosted with the
International Labor Organization and the Green
Growth Knowledge Partnership. The discussion
featured speakers from labor ministries, workers’
unions, and employers’ organizations sharing
practical ways we can support safer working
conditions and reduce chemical risks on the
job.
Panelists
emphasized the need for stronger legal
protections, targeted training, and greater
collaboration across sectors. The conversation
highlighted how we can complement international
labour standards and help drive progress in
occupational health and safety, especially for
vulnerable workers.
Watch
the full recording here
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Kay
Williams, Head of the GFC Secretariat, with Szymon
Domagalski, Policy Advisor with the Polish Chamber
of Chemical Industry and organizer of the EU
Industry Days
panel. | | |
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Spotlighting
the Framework at EU Industry
Days
As
part of EU Industry Days held 5–6 June in Rzeszów,
Poland, Kay Williams, Head of the Global Framework
on Chemicals Secretariat, participated in a
moderated panel discussion organized by the Polish
Chamber of Chemical Industry. The session, titled
“From Declaration to Action: Advancing Global
Standards and EU Competitiveness in Sustainable
Chemical Management,” offered an opportunity to
spotlight the Framework’s growing relevance to
industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators.
Kay Williams was joined by Bob Diderich, Head of
Division at the Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD); Folco Ciulli,
Executive Director at the European Chemical
Regions Network (ECRN); and Szymon Domagalski,
Policy Advisor with the Polish Chamber of Chemical
Industry and session organizer and
moderator.
The
discussion explored the role of global standards
in supporting innovation, creating a level playing
field, and strengthening EU competitiveness—while
emphasizing the need for inclusive, practical
solutions. Panelists highlighted how the Framework
complements legally binding agreements, promotes
harmonization across markets, and offers tools
such as the upcoming Industry Implementation
Programmes to help sectors align with
sustainability goals. Kay emphasized that industry
has a vital role to play in shaping and driving
the Framework towards the International
Conference, underscoring that the time to engage
is now. |
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Participants
engage at the IOMC workshop, held 22 June 2025.
Credit: IOMC/Jonathan Krueger | | |
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IOMC
Update on the Development of Implementation
Programmes
The
Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound
Management of Chemicals (IOMC) continues to work
with stakeholders to develop proposals for Implementation
Programmes (IPs) for further
consideration at the next International
Conference, as well as undertaking related
activities during the inter-sessional period, in
line with ICCM-5 resolution V/8.
Documents submitted to the June OEWG meeting,
including INF.11,
presented the status of the proposals and invited
feedback from OEWG participants.
With
regards to the programme on Strengthening National
Chemicals Legislation and Institutional Capacities
(“IP1”), the outcomes of an IOMC-convened
multi-stakeholder workshop on 22-23 June informed
the OEWG deliberations, ensuring that the
perspectives of a diverse set of stakeholders will
be reflected in the emerging Framework. More
details are available on the workshop
website.
For
the programme on Strengthening Economic and
Industry Sector Engagement and Action (“IP2”), a
“Multi-Stakeholder Day” during the OEWG focused on
cross-cutting thematic workstreams and
sector-specific industry programmes. Follow-up
activities will include streamlining IP2 thematic
topics and reviewing draft sector-specific ToRs.
To receive updates on sector programmes and
cross-cutting workstreams discussed during
Multi-Stakeholder Day, sign up
here.
Lastly,
for the programme on Integrating Chemical and
Waste Issues in Sustainable Development
Decision-Making (“IP3”), the IOMC will consult
with stakeholders to further consider work on two
proposed IP3 topics (education and climate
change), or any other sustainable development
topic of interest. A multi-stakeholder workshop on
this IP could also be considered, subject to
securing the required resources. For more details
related to the above, please consult the IOMC
website. | | |
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Explore
Free Training Courses
Looking
to build your technical knowledge on chemicals and
waste? Three free, self-paced online courses in
support of the GFC are now available.
Eco-Innovation:
Building Materials Supplements
Understand
how to integrate eco-innovation into building
material supply chains and support more
sustainable production practices.
👉
Access
the course
Lead
Paint: Reformulation is Entirely
Possible
Explore
the health impacts of lead paint and discover
practical guidance on safer alternatives and
reformulation strategies.
👉
Access
the course
USEtox:
The UNEP/SETAC Scientific Consensus
Model
Learn
how to use the global consensus model for
characterizing human and ecotoxicological impacts
of chemical emissions and exposures.
👉
Access
the course
These
training courses were prepared by UNITAR under the
SAICM GEF 9771 project: Global best practices on
emerging chemical policy issues of concern under
Strategic Approach to International Chemicals
Management (SAICM) funded by the Global
Environment Facility (GEF). This project is
implemented by UNEP and executed by the Global
Framework on Chemicals (GFC) Secretariat. UNITAR
acknowledges the financial contribution of the GEF
to the development, editing and design of the
publication. |
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Registration
Open for GHS E-Learning Course
Target
B6 of the GFCcalls on all governments to implement
the Globally Harmonized System of Classification
and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) across all
relevant sectors by 2030, taking national
circumstances into account. In support of this,
registration is now open for UNITAR’s next edition
of the GHS E-Learning Course, which commences in
September 2025.
Running
for over a decade, the course is delivered by
expert tutors in English, French, and Spanish,and
equips participants with the technical knowledge
needed to apply the GHS.
Learn
more here
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BRS
Conventions’ contributions to the implementation
of the Global Framework on
Chemicals
The
Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (BRS)
are three global legally binding instruments that,
within their respective scopes, complement each
other in protecting human health and the
environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes.
But how do they contribute and complement to the
GFC?
This
newly published report
identifies concrete opportunities to advance the
GFC’s objectives and targets by implementing
obligations under the BRS conventions, thereby
strengthening global chemicals and waste
management through greater effectiveness,
coordination, and impact.
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