Événement Virtuel
The Economics of Addressing Pharmaceuticals in the Environment | Addressing Pharmaceuticals in the Environment Series
01 Oct 2026
14:00 – 15:30
Lieu: Online | Webex
Organisation: Branche produits chimiques et déchets du PNUE, Geneva Environment Network
This online event is part of the “Addressing Pharmaceuticals in the Environment through a Lifecycle Approach” Event Series, co-organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Geneva Environment Network (GEN).
About this Event
Pharmaceuticals play a key role in our daily life. They help safeguard human, animal and plant health, enhance food production, and contribute to economic prosperity. However, expanded access to medicines, population growth and ageing, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the intensification of animal-based food production, and climate-related disease pressures are all contributing to a rapid increase in pharmaceutical consumption worldwide.
This growing production and use of pharmaceuticals, combined with the lack of sound management across their life cycle, has resulted to the widespread presence of pharmaceutical residues in the environment, raising concerns about their potential impacts on biodiversity, ecosystems and human health.
Different approaches to address this issue are being implemented at key stages of the life cycle of pharmaceuticals. These include upstream preventive measures, such as awareness-raising, innovation in manufacturing, responsible prescription and use, as well as downstream interventions, including the safe disposal of waste and improved wastewater treatment.
In this context, this webinar explored the costs of inaction, business models and innovations, and opportunities to mobilize economic and financial incentives through practical examples. It is part of the series of events “Addressing Pharmaceuticals in the Environment through a Lifecycle Approach” – organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in cooperation with the Geneva Environment Network (GEN) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Addressing Pharmaceuticals in the Environment through a Lifecycle Approach Event Series
The United Nations Environment Programme, in cooperation with the World Health Organization, the Geneva Environment Network, and other key partners, is organizing a series of events to raise awareness and share best practices, challenges and opportunities to address this pressing issue. The virtual events bring together experts, decision makers and other relevant stakeholders from around the world to discuss innovative practices throughout pharmaceutical lifecycle and across key sectors such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, healthcare facilities, agriculture, food production, and municipalities/households, shedding light on the benefits of action as well as existing tools.
Speakers
Ludovic BERNAUDAT
Head, GEF Chemicals and Green Chemistry Unit, UN Environment Programme
Erta KALANXHI
Director Partnerships, One Health Trust
Andreia SANTOS
Associate Professor, St Mary's University, London, United Kingdom
Peggy LEFORT
Pollution & Circular Economy Lead, UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)
Ann-Lise MIKOLAJCZAK
Associate Director, Innovation and Sustainability Policy, IFPMA
Antoine ICHAS
Chemicals and Environment Manager, EFPIA
Jorge Enrique TRUJILLO SÁNCHEZ
Executive Director, Punto Azul Colombia
Elvana RAMAJ
Director of Circular Economy Directorate, Albania
Stéphanie LARUELLE
Programme Management Officer, Chemicals and Health Branch, UN Environment Programme | Co-Moderator
Gastón ITURBURU
Pharmaceutical Lifecycle Expert, UN Environment Programme | Co-Moderator