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Road to the First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals
In preparation to the First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals, to be held in Geneva from 16 to 20 November 2026, the Global Framework on Chemicals secretariat and the Geneva Environment Network will host a series of events providing an outlook on key aspects of the Conference, offering member states and stakeholders opportunities to share perspectives and expectations.
Agreed Goals and Targets to Address the Triple Planetary Crisis
Member states have adopted global deals that set agreed goals and targets to tackle the triple planetary crisis:
- Paris Agreement — agreed in Paris in December 2015
- Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework — agreed in Montreal in December 2022
- Global Framework on Chemicals – For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste (GFC) — agreed in Bonn in September 2023
The Geneva multilateral system is highly engaged in implementing these plans. Geneva also hosts the secretariat of the Global Framework on Chemicals.
Global Framework on Chemicals
The Global Framework on Chemicals – For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste (GFC), provides the essential building blocks for a future in which humanity benefits from chemicals in a safe and sustainable manner, while avoiding their negative impacts.
The Framework, adopted in September 2023 at the fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5), seeks to protect both the planet and human health, advocating for strong governance mechanisms and enforcing international standards. The Framework presents a comprehensive plan with five strategic objectives and 28 targets to guide countries and stakeholders in jointly addressing the lifecycle of chemicals, including products and waste.
This unique multi-stakeholder agreement brings in a variety of sectors including representatives from governments, the private sector, non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations, youth and academia. It is supported by the Bonn Declaration, a high-level declaration also agreed at ICCM5 in Bonn, Germany.
About the First International Conference 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 in Switzerland.
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.
Road to the First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals
In preparation to the First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals, the Global Framework on Chemicals and the Geneva Environment Network will host a series of events providing an outlook on key aspects of the conference, offering member states and stakeholders opportunities to share perspectives and expectations.
Other Preparatory Sessions
With many actors in Geneva and beyond engaged in chemicals governance, various sessions are organized in preparation for the First International Conference of the GFC:
- Understanding Chemical Footprint: Concept, Approaches and Application | substitute ApS | 22 September 2026, 14:00 CEST
- Global Framework on Chemicals: Key Decisions for IC-1 & Issues of Concern Discussions | IPEN | 19 August 2026, 15:00 CEST
- Online Consultation | Textile Industry Sector Programme under the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) | Global Framework on Chemicals | 23 July 2026, 14:00 – 15:30 CEST
- Prescription for Change: Safe and Sustainable Chemistry in Global Pharmaceutical Systems | Implementing the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) through Safe and Sustainable Innovation series | International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3), IOMC, and UNITAR | 23 July 2026, 14:00 – 15:30 CEST
- Global Framework on Chemicals Updates & Gender Action Plan Discussions | IPEN | 15 June 2026, 15:00 CEST
- Healthcare Sector Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) Implementation Programme | WHO | 10 June 2026, 15:00 CEST and 20:00 CEST
- Regional consultations on GFC Implementation Programmes: Proposals for the First International Conference (IC-1): 5 May 2026, 8:00 – 9:30 CEST (Asia Pacific), 6 May 2026, 10:00 – 11:30 CEST (Africa, Central & Eastern Europe) | 7 May 2026, 16:00 – 17:30 CEST (for Latin America and the Caribbean)
- Introducing Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) and the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) in the consumer electronics sector | IOMC, ISC3, UNITAR | 16 April 2026 | 14:00 – 15:30 CEST
- Eighth meeting of the open-ended ad hoc group on measurability and indicators | 31 March 2026
- Fourth meeting of the Executive Board of the Global Framework on Chemicals Fund | 23-25 March 2026
- Preparation of the Global Framework on Chemicals – First International Conference Report on Existing Emerging Policy Issues (EPIs) and other Issues of Concern (IOCs) | GFC & IOMC | 19 March 2026 | 13:00 – 14:30 CET
- Gender Action Plan under the Global Framework on Chemicals: Overview, Data Collection, and Next Steps | 12 February 2026 | 15:00 – 16:00 CET
- Chemicals and Waste Negotiations Briefing 2026 | 12 February 2026 | 10:00 – 12:00 CET
- Gender Action Plan under the Global Framework on Chemicals: Overview, Data Collection, and Next Steps | 22 January 2026