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Event Body Meeting

First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals

16 Nov 2026 – 20 Nov 2026

Venue: CICG

Organization: Global Framework on Chemicals

Chemicals and Pollution | Health and Environment | Green Economy

SDG3 | SDG12

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The first International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals will take place from 16 to 20 November 2026 at the Geneva International Conference Centre. This Conference marks a critical moment for a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste since the adoption of the Framework at the Fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management ICCM5. The Conference will be preceded by briefings and regional meetings on 15 November 2026.

About the First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC IC-1)

The First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals will take place from 16 to 20 November 2026 at the Geneva International Conference Center.

Marking a critical moment for a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste since the adoption of the Framework at the Fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management ICCM5, IC-1 brings together decision-makers and practitioners from across borders and sectors, the Conference will feature a high-level leadership dialogue alongside technical and multi-stakeholder dialogues. It will create space to engage directly on priorities, challenges, and solutions, from policy and regulation to innovation, finance, and implementation across value chains.

  • Tracking progress | Advancing the adoption of indicators and approaches to track global progress, strengthen accountability, and inform future policy and investment decisions.
  • Accelerating action | Identifying practical solutions and scalable approaches to implement the Global Framework on Chemicals across high-impact sectors and value chains, from production and use to waste management.
  • Investing for impact | Unlocking finance, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration to drive impact at national, regional, and global levels.

The Global Framework on Chemicals provides the foundation for a future in which humanity benefits from chemicals in a safe and sustainable way. Its five strategic objectives and 28 targets guide countries and stakeholders to address the full lifecycle of chemicals, including products and waste, while preventing harmful impacts on human health and the environment.

Official Website

→ To dive into GFC IC1, watch the live webcast and catch up with the Earth Negotiations Bulletin daily coverage and follow the GFC Linkedin page

Schedule

15 November 2026

16 November 2026

17 November 2026

18 November 2026

19 November 2026

20 November 2026

Conference Schedule

Highlights

Day 0

Provisional Agenda

  1. Opening of the session.
  2. Organizational matters:
    (a) Adoption of the agenda;
    (b) Organization of work;
    (c) Election of officers.
  3. Representation, credentials, and accreditation of representatives.
  4.  Global Framework on Chemicals – tracking progress:
    (a) Update on implementation of the resolutions adopted by the International Conference on Chemicals Management at its fifth session;
    (b) Overview of progress towards the strategic objectives and targets and of gaps in progress;
    (c) Measurability structure and indicators.
  5. Global Framework on Chemicals – accelerating action:
    (a) Issues of concern;
    (b) Implementation arrangements, national focal points and capacity-building;
    (c) Gender Action Plan.
  6. Global Framework on Chemicals – investing for impact:
    (a) Finance and investment:
    (i) Opportunities for unlocking financing and shaping investment;
    (ii) Harnessing the Global Framework on Chemicals Fund for further impact – review of the terms of reference of the Fund;
    (iii) Leveraging the Global Environment Facility;
    (b) Programme of work, budget and options for a sustainable secretariat.
  7. Dates and venue of the second session of the International Conference.
  8.  Other matters.
  9. Adoption of the report of the session.
  10. Closure of the session.

GEN @ GFC IC1

The Geneva Environment Network Secretariat is co-organizing and supporting various sessions.

Geneva Environment Network Stand @ First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals (IC1)

The Multilateral Geneva Advancing Action for a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste Booth will showcase the work conducted by actors and organizations in Geneva to raise awareness and foster action in the chemicals cluster. 

Opening Ceremony of the Action and Partnership Hub

16 November 2026 | 13:30 – 14:00 CET

Action and Partnership Hub Stage

Health and Chemicals Forum | GFC IC1

17 November 2026 | 13:15 – 18:00 CET

CICG, Room A

Science for Delivering the Global Framework on Chemicals: Priorities for Action and the Role of the ISP-CWP | GFC-IC1 Spotlight Event

18 November 2026 | 18:00 – 18:50 CET

CICG, Room B

How the Right to a Healthy Environment Can Inform Decision-Making on Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste | GFC IC1 Interactive Dialogue

19 November 2026 | 14:30 – 15:30 CET

CICG | Club l’Esprit de Genève


Road to the First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals Series

Member States have adopted agreements that set common goals and targets to tackle the triple planetary crisis, including the Global Framework on Chemicals – For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste (GFC), adopted in Bonn in September 2023 and supported by a Secretariat hosted in Geneva. This Framework provides the essential building blocks for a future in which humanity benefits from chemicals in a safe and sustainable manner, while avoiding their negative impacts.

In preparation to the First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals, to be held in Geneva from 16 to 20 November 2026, the Global Framework on Chemicals secretariat and the Geneva Environment Network are hosting a series of events providing an outlook on key aspects of the Conference, offering member states and stakeholders opportunities to share perspectives and expectations.

Road to the First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals | Tracking Progress

19 May 2026

Road to the First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals | Accelerating Action for Safe and Sustainable Chemicals Management

1 September 2026

Road to the First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals | Investing for Impact for a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste

27 October 2026

Documents

Working Documents

Information Documents

  • UNEP/GFC/IC.1/INF.1 – Scenario note for the first session of the International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals
  • UNEP/GFC/IC.1/INF/2 – Strengthening health surveillance systems for chemicals
  • UNEP/GFC/IC.1/INF/3 – Tracking progress: indicative overview of progress under the Global Framework on Chemicals – supplementary information
  • UNEP/GFC/IC.1/INF/4 – Tracking progress: measurability structure and indicators of the Global Framework on Chemicals – supplementary information
  • UNEP/GFC/IC.1/INF/5 – Accelerating action: new nominations of issues of concern – supplementary information
  • UNEP/GFC/IC.1/INF/6 – Accelerating Action: Implementation arrangements, national focal points and capacity-building – supplementary information
  • UNEP/GFC/IC.1/INF/7 – Investing for impact: finance and investment – supplementary information
  • UNEP/GFC/IC.1/INF/8 – Analysis of options to support the long-term financial sustainability of the Global Framework on Chemical

Parallel Events

Global Supply Chains Forum: Advancing Circular and Chemical-Safe Supply Chains in Fashion and Construction

12 – 13 November 2026 | Palais des Nations, Room VII 

Organized by UNEP, in partnerhsip with UNDP, UNIDO and FAO

Infertile Film Screening (By invitation only)

15 November 2026

Organized by Gallifrey Foundation, Plastic Solutions Fund and Break Free From Plastic

The Plastic Detox Film Screening (By invitation only)

16 November 2026

Organized by Gallifrey Foundation, Plastic Solutions Fund and Break Free From Plastic

Links

Useful Resources