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

This Spotlight Event, organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Panel on Chemical Pollution (IPCP), with the support of the Geneva Environment Network (GEN), will highlight scientific priorities for implementing the Global Framework on Chemicals, including key pollution issues, monitoring and data needs, and the role of safer alternatives. The discussion will also explore how the future science-policy panel can support countries and stakeholders in strengthening implementation and measuring progress towards the Framework’s objectives.

About this Event

The adoption of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) in Bonn in September 2023 provides a renewed global vision for the sound management of chemicals and waste and the prevention of pollution. Its first International Conference (ICI) marks the shift from adoption to implementation. Achieving the Framework’s five Strategic Objectives and 28 targets will require robust scientific evidence, effective monitoring systems, meaningful indicators, and practical solutions that could be implemented across sectors and regions.

Tracking progress is a central task for ICI. The Open-Ended Ad Hoc Group on Measurability and Indicators has been developing indicators for the Framework’s measurability structure, including through a hybrid expert meeting in February 2026 and its eighth meeting in March 2026. Many indicators depend on data, on production and use, environmental levels, human exposure, and health outcomes, that are scarce, uneven across regions, or not yet collected.

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP), established in Punta del Este, Uruguay, on 20 June 2025, was created to strengthen the science-policy interface and provide policymakers with independent, policy-relevant scientific advice on chemicals, waste and pollution. The Panel aims to assess knowledge, identify policy options, and catalyse action that is effective, inclusive, and grounded in scientific evidence. Its five functions are horizon scanning, assessments of current issues, providing up-to-date and relevant information, facilitating information sharing with countries, and integrating capacity-building into all functions.

The Panel held the first session of its Plenary in Geneva from 2 to 6 February 2026. Its work programme is yet to be determined, and a resumed first session will consider the process for doing so.

This spotlight event will bring together scientists from developed and developing countries to hear their views on the most pressing chemicals, waste, and pollution issues to be addressed, where the ISP CWP could act as a catalyst and support effective implementation of the GFC and its measuring framework. The discussion will focus on priority chemicals and emerging topics, and the data and monitoring needed to track progress.

Speakers

Additional speakers to be confirmed.

Osvaldo ÁLVAREZ

ISP-CWP Chair, Chile

Martin SCHERINGER

Professor, Masaryk University and ETH Zurich

Participation

The meeting is taking place in a hybrid format. In-person participation is open to all participants registered for the GFC IC1. To attend online, kindly register on Webex.

Video

About the First International Conference (IC1) of the Global Framework on Chemicals

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.

The international conference will feature a high-level segment, bringing together governments, industry, companies, and non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations, for a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste.

GEN @ GFC IC1

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

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