Briefing on the 5th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury

This briefing on the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-5), which will take place in Geneva, from 30 October to 3 November 2023, is organized within the framework of the Geneva Environment Network.

About this Event

The fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-5) will take place in Geneva, from 30 October to 3 November 2023, under the presidency of Romania.

As part of the preparation for the meeting, online events will take place from 9 to 13 October 2023, the week marking the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Minamata Convention, adopted on 10 October 2013 to address mercury, a heavy metal that is persistent in the environment. While naturally occurring, mercury has broad uses in everyday objects and is released to the atmosphere, soil and water from a variety of sources. Controlling the anthropogenic releases of mercury throughout its lifecycle has been a key factor in shaping the obligations under the Convention.

At this briefing, to be opened by the President of the Conference, the Minamata Convention secretariat will provide updates on preparations for COP-5, including an overview of logistical aspects and the online events. Invited stakeholders’ will also provide their perspectives on the process.