Road to OEWG 3 | The Capacity-Building Function of the Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution Prevention: Lessons Learned from Existing Science-Policy Interfaces and Sharing of Views (AM)

About this Session

The ad hoc open-ended working group (OEWG) at its second session requested the secretariat to prepare, in consultation with the Bureau, a webinar on the capacity-building function of the panel, and submit a summary of the views expressed for the information of the OEWG at its third session. This webinar aims to showcase possible ways to implement the capacity-building function of the Panel by highlighting the broader landscape in which capacity-building will take place and by presenting how other Science-Policy Interfaces implement their capacity-building functions. It also aims to encourage an exchange of questions and views amongst participants.

At OEWG 3, Governments may wish to agree on the text of the capacity-building function of the Panel.

Two textual proposals on the capacity-building function have been put forward during OEWG 2, in section A “Scope, objective and functions of the Panel”, paragraph 1 (e) (UNEP/SPP-CWP/OEWG.2/8):

• Proposal 1 (Group of African States and GRULAC): Provide capacity-building through all the functions of the panel and facilitate technology transfer, in particular to developing countries, to improve the science-policy interface at appropriate levels, including activities to ensure effective, geographically balanced and gender-responsive participation of scientists in the assessments of the panel, strengthen data generation capacity, enhance knowledge and skills that will support country infrastructure and human capacity, and facilitate connection and matchmaking of capacity-related needs and potential solutions.
• Proposal 2 (European Union): Build capacity to support the functions and work of the panel in order to strengthen the science-policy interface for sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution.

The secretariat collected views on the capacity-building function of the Panel prior to and during the webinar, structured around three key questions:

1. What should be the focus of priority capacity-building activities for the Panel to undertake?
2. How can we avoid overlap and duplication of work?
3. How can coordination and cooperation be promoted with relevant multilateral agreements, other international instruments and intergovernmental bodies, and others?

Road to OEWG 3 Series

In March 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly at its resumed fifth session (UNEA-5.2) agreed to establish an independent, intergovernmental science-policy panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution. An ad hoc open-ended working group (OEWG) process has been initiated to prepare proposals for the panel.

As set out in UNEA resolution 5/8, the panel will support countries to take action on chemicals, waste and pollution, including to implement various international instruments such as multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), by providing policy-relevant scientific advice. The Panel will also further support relevant MEAs, other international instruments and intergovernmental bodies, and other relevant stakeholders in their work.

The OEWG concluded its second session in December 2023 in Nairobi, and will hold its third session in June 2024, in Geneva.

In preparation for the third session, the Road to OEWG 3 | Science-Policy Panel to Contribute Further to the Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste and to Prevent Pollution webinar and event series, co-organized by the OEWG Secretariat and Geneva Environment Network aims to build bridges between and among stakeholders, and promote collaboration and knowledge sharing in preparation for OEWG 3, taking place in Geneva, in June 2024.

Speakers

Alexandru ROZNOV

Counsellor Assistant, General Directorate Waste and Contaminated Sites, Chemicals Unit; Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests, Romania | OEWG Bureau Member

Tessa GOVERSE

Head, Secretariat of the OEWG on a Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Prevention of Pollution

Zhanyun WANG

Secretariat of the OEWG on a Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Prevention of Pollution

Ingunn STORRØ

Head, Technical Support Unit in Charge of Capacity-Building, IPBES

Maysoun MUSTAFA

Nexus Assessment-Fellow, IPBES

Highlights

Video

Documents

• Presentations made during the event

Links

• Ad hoc open-ended working group on a science-policy panel on chemicals, waste and pollution prevention | UNEP
• Road to OEWG 3 | Science-Policy Panel to Contribute Further to the Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste and to Prevent Pollution
• Developing a Global Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution Prevention
• Operating Principles: Learning from Previous Practice | Background document to support discussions on operating principles
• Geneva addressing Hazardous Substances