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2025 Meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions
The seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (BC COP-17), the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention (RC COP-12) and the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (SC COP-12) is being held back-to-back in Geneva from 28 April to 9 May 2025. The meetings included a high-level segment on the afternoon of Wednesday, 30 April 2025 and the morning of Thursday, 1 May 2025. Preparatory meetings were held on 27 April 2025.
2025 Meetings of the Conferences of the Parties
The seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (BC COP-17), the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention (RC COP-12) and the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (SC COP-12) is being held from 28 April to 9 May 2025 at the Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG). The meetings included a high-level segment on the afternoon of Wednesday, 30 April 2025 and the morning of Thursday, 1 May 2025. Preparatory meetings were held on 27 April 2025. The meetings and the high-level segment is being held under the theme “Make visible the invisible: sound management of chemicals and wastes”.
Preparatory Meetings
Pre-meetings for the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions were held on 27 April 2025 at CICG.
- Meeting of the bureaux of the conferences of the Parties (Only for bureaux members) | 13:00 – 15:00 CEST | Room 9
- Regional meetings | 15:00 – 18:00 CEST
A Youth Forum with thematic roundtables was also be held at CICG from 12:00 to 18:00 CEST.
Relevant Outcomes and Highlights
This section lists the outcomes of and highlights from BC COP-17, RC COP-12, and SC COP-12.
9 May
SC adopted the decision on adding a specific exemption for UV-328 listing, an unprecedented decision of the COP. SC also agreed to eliminate the production and use of medium-chain chlorinated paraffins.
After six years of negotiations, BC adopted the decision amending Annex IV on disposal operations, to be effective in 1 January 2030. BC has also adopted technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of wastes, containing POPs including UV-328 (a chemical used in plastics).
Joint sessions have adopted a decision on a resource mobilization strategy from non-State actors for Africa, Latin America and Carribean regions. Joint sessions have also adopted a decision on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations, including work with the Bamako Convention, the open-ended working group on a science-policy panel on chemicals, waste and pollution prevention, the ongoing plastics treaty negotiations, and other chemicals and waste MEAs.
8 May
BC has adopted decision on plastic waste amendments, including deadlines on submissions of comments. BC also adopted the Strategic Framework for 2025–2031.
7 May
After 10 years, RC listed fenthion (a severely hazardous pesticide formulation) to be subject to the prior informed consent procedure.
6 May
After eight years, RC listed carbosulfan, a pesticide.
5 May
BC adopted a decision on two technical guidelines: on lead-acid batteries and on pneumatic tyres. BC also decided to take up any new information on activities tackling issues related to waste containing nanomaterials.
2 May
SC agreed to eliminate the production and use of two persistent organic pollutants (POPs): chlorpyrifos and LC-PFCAs.
Outcomes on the Strengthened Action on Chemicals and Wastes
Taking place in the run-up to the resumed third session of the ad hoc open-ended working group on a science-policy panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution (SPP OEWG 3.2) and of the first meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) for the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) taking place back-to-back in June in Punta del Este, Uruguay, and other major negotiations aiming at beating pollution, this event will present outcomes of the recently concluded 2025 meetings of the BRS COPs.
Highlights
Previous Days
Day 10 | Day 9 | Day 8 | Day 7 | Day 6 | Day 5 | Day 4 | Day 3 | Day 2 | Day 1 | Day 0
Key Items on the Provisional Agendas of the Meetings
Key Items on the Provisional Agendas of the Meetings
Tentative Schedule of Work
High-level Segment of the Meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions
The high-level segment took place on the afternoon of Wednesday 30 April and on the morning of Thursday 1 May 2025 at CICG and the nearby Varembé Conference Centre.
Held under the theme “Make Visible the Invisible: Sound management of chemicals and wastes”, aiming to facilitate exchanges and discussions and to raise awareness on the work of the Conventions, the high-level segment provided an interactive, dynamic and inclusive platform for ministers and deputy ministers (or their equivalent) to exchange experiences and to provide political leadership for renewed commitment towards the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, as well as, to raise awareness on how the three conventions contribute towards addressing the environmental crises of pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change. In doing so, the high-level segment aims to raise political awareness of and support for the conventions, as well as promote a dialogue among ministers, and between ministers, deputy ministers and other high-level representatives.
Schedule
Make Visible the Invisible Fair
The Make Visible the Invisible Fair was held during the 2025 COPs, from 30 April to 2 May 2025, at the Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG). Focusing on the theme selected for the 2025 BRS COPs, the objective of the Fair is to raise awareness on the work of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and their contribution towards addressing the crises of pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change.
The Fair provided and opportunity for Parties, partner institutions, non-governmental organizations, intergovernmental organizations, the Basel and Stockholm Convention Regional Centres and private companies to exhibit their activities, projects and technologies that are available to support the implementation of the conventions, as well as provide a platform for partners to network and explore opportunities for collaboration and joint ventures with the aim of implementing activities of common interest. Partners are invited to showcase their activities, projects as well as relevant clean technologies for the sound management of chemicals and wastes and promoting opportunities for developing alternatives – including non-chemical alternatives – to chemicals listed under the conventions. Exhibitors were also encouraged to share and demonstrate how their work contributes towards attaining the objectives of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions for a pollution free future.
Schedule
- The Fair opened with a ceremony and a reception on 29 April and closed with a reception on the evening of 2 May 2025.
- Interactive activities took place during the lunch period between 13:00 and 15:00 CEST and after the afternoon plenary session between 18:00 and 20:00 CEST.
- Interactive Panel discussions on topical issues involving high-level representatives from all sectors were scheduled for a maximum duration each of 45 minutes in order to ensure that participants remain engaged during the event.
- Competitions were organized to ensure that participants engage with the event. For example, awards were given to recognize the best booth, the event that attracts the most participants, the most creative activity, etc.
Other activities
- Spotlight on Mountain & Glacier Environments: A World Champion Advocate Joins the Cause
On Tuesday, 6 May 2025, the BRS Conventions welcomed a new World Champion Advocate, Felix Neureuther, a former alpine skiing world champion and global sports icon committed to environmental protection. The announcement took place during a special event at the Geneva International Conference Centre. The advocate participated in awareness-raising activities, especially focusing on pollution impacts in fragile mountain and glacier ecosystems.
Screening of How to Poison A Planet
The screening of the documentary « How to Poison a Planet » was a special event, organized by the Geneva Environment Network, and is taking place on the eve of the opening of the 2025 BRS COPs. How to Poison a Planet uses sworn testimony and internal documents to expose what chemical companies knew about ‘forever chemical’ toxicity and widespread contamination by the late 1970s, long before they alerted authorities to the dangers of the chemicals they produced and sold. Through the stories of two distant but similarly affected communities, the film highlights the global scale and consequences of PFAS pollution.
The screening took place on 27 April 2025 at CICG.
Screening of How to Poison A Planet
The screening of the documentary « How to Poison a Planet » was a special event, organized by the Geneva Environment Network, and is taking place on the eve of the opening of the 2025 BRS COPs. How to Poison a Planet uses sworn testimony and internal documents to expose what chemical companies knew about ‘forever chemical’ toxicity and widespread contamination by the late 1970s, long before they alerted authorities to the dangers of the chemicals they produced and sold. Through the stories of two distant but similarly affected communities, the film highlights the global scale and consequences of PFAS pollution.
The screening took place on 27 April 2025 at CICG.
Side Events
During the 2025 meetings of the conferences of the Parties (COPs), side events are being held during lunch breaks and in the evenings and usually last 90 minutes. Side events serve as a platform for Parties (including subsidiary bodies), and observers to share knowledge, build capacity, network and exchange on experience in the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. They also contribute to fostering discussions on specific issues under consideration at the COPs.
GEN @ BRS COPs
The Geneva Environment Network is co-organizing and supporting various other side events.
How Far Have the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Gone in Advancing a Rights-based Approach and Environmental Justice?
28 April 2025 | 19:00 – 20:30 CEST
Gender, Toxics Exposures and the Right to a Clean, Safe, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment
29 April 2025 | 18:45 – 20:15 CEST
Bridging Commitments: Ending the Illicit Trade of End-Of-Life Ships: What Role for the Basel and Hong Kong Conventions?
2 May 2025 |18:15 – 19:45 CEST
Preventing Plastic and E-Waste Trafficking: Lessons from the Frontlines
4 May 2025 | 18:15 – 19:45 CEST
The Potential of the Bamako Convention in Furthering Implementation of the Basel Convention in Africa
6 May 2025 | 13:15 – 14:45 CEST
One Health’ Approach to Addressing Pharmaceuticals in the Environment Across Key Sectors
9 May 2025 | 13:15 – 14:45 CEST
Road to 2025 BRS COPs Event Series
In the lead-up to the meetings, the Geneva Environment Network collaborates with various partners for a series of events providing information on preparations and facilitating dialogues on key issues to be discussed at the meetings.
- Events organized in collaboration with the BRS Secretariat provided information about the upcoming meetings, presenting practical arrangements, documents and expectations for the 2025 BRS COPs meetings, as well as include other UN entities from the chemical and waste cluster to share their relevant work and perspective on the meetings.
- Events organized with stakeholders highly involved in the meetings discussed salient agenda items; present related studies and share expectations. Potential topics to be addressed include lead chromates, e-waste, PFAs, and stocktaking of the negotiations on the plastics treaty.
The Right to Know – Modernising the Rotterdam Convention
19 March 2025
Exporting Lead Poisoning: The Toxic Trade in Lead Chromates
4 February 2025
Greening the COPs
In the effort of reducing the environmental impact of the Meetings, the BRS Secretariat has put in place the following measures:
- Climate neutrality | The impact of air travel for in person participation were compensated through the purchase of Certified Emission Reductions (CERs).
- Reducing wastes | The use of plastics for food and for drinking at the venue are reduced and substituted with Polylactic Acid and other biodegradable/compostable materials. Water fountains are available in different spots and thus the use of refillable containers is welcome.
- Paperless meetings | Documents are made available online and no hard copies are provided.
Find more information on Greening the 2025 meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions.
Links and Relevant Resources
- 2025 Meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions
- Road to 2025 BRS COPs
- A graphical guide on Persistent Organic Pollutants and how to cut ties with them | UNEP
- Nations Agree to Ban Toxic Plastic Chemicals but Take Unprecedented Action Putting Health and the Environment at Risk | IPEN | 9 May 2025
- Global Toxics Talks End with Progress Toward Protections for Human Health and the Environment | CIEL | 9 May 2025
- Pesticide ban in Geneva marks progress – but can biopesticides fill the gap? | Geneva Solutions | 9 May 2025
- Bamako Convention: Africa’s response to Toxic Waste and Climate Crisis | Climate Lense News | 7 May 2025
- New proposal to add exemptions for a banned hazardous chemical under Stockholm Convention is questioning its credibility: Giulia Carlini | Down To Earth | 5 May 2025
- Toxic Pesticide Chlorpyrifos and Large Chemical Group Set for Global Bans | IPEN | 2 May 2025
- Making visible the invisible: the role of IUCN and WCEL in the sound management of chemicals and wastes at the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Conference of the Parties 2025 | IUCN | 1 May 2025
- Triple science-policy panels for a triple planetary crisis | UNEP | 30 April 2025
- Map Highlights Ongoing Health Threats from POPs Contaminated Sites Globally | IPEN | 28 April 2025
- Falling Apart at the Seams. Addressing the hidden impacts of the textiles waste trade | EIA | 23 April 2025
- Risk assessment of PFAS through consumption of home-produced eggs in the Netherlands | Dutch National Public Health Institute | 15 April 2025
- Submission on behalf of IPEN and ACAT regarding the Proposal to amend Annex A of the Stockholm Convention to be considered at the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties | IPEN & ACAT | April 2025
- IPEN resources
- PAN at 2025 BRS COPs
- Covering Plastic Waste at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention | EIA | 31 March 2025
- Review on the need for inventories and management of reservoirs of POPs and other persistent, bioaccumulating and toxic substances (PBTs) in the face of climate change | Roland Weber, Lautaro Girones, Ulrich Förstner | Environmental Sciences Europe | 22 March 2025
- Guide to new POPS: Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins | IPEN | March 2025
- From Hidden Hazards to Open Data: Advancing Traceability and Transparency for POPs | IPEN | 6 March 2025
- Briefing on the 2025 Meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions | Road to 2025 BRS COPs | GEN Event