This June marked a huge moment for global chemicals and waste governance, with two pivotal meetings taking place back-to-back in Punta del Este: the Open-Ended Working Group on the Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (SPP OEWG 3.2) and the Open-Ended Working Group of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC OEWG 1.0). The International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) was in Uruguay and actively engaged throughout both meetings.
ISC3
Dr. Thomas Wanner (Managing Director) and Dr. Claudia Vanesa Piattoni (one of the entrepreneurs of the ISC3 Founders Fireside Chat) along with Anna Isabel Becker (Director Policy & Sustainability Innovation) in front of the convention center.
ISC3
Session at the Multi-Stakeholder Day organised by the expert group of Green and Sustainable Chemistry Innovations and Solutions.
A Science-Policy Milestone: Agreement on the Intergovernmental Panel (ISP-CWP)
On 20 June, Member States officially agreed on the establishment of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP). This new panel—formerly known as the Science-Policy Panel (SPP)—aims to strengthen the bridge between science and policy by equipping decision-makers with the evidence, insights, and tools they need to take effective and context-specific action within their countries.
The panel was born from UNEA Resolution 5/8 (2022), which called for a science-policy interface at the global level to address chemical pollution and waste management. Over the past three years, complex negotiations have taken place to shape how the panel will function. The agreement reached in Uruguay marks a crucial step, even though key details—such as procedures for conflict of interest, prioritisation of work, and handling of confidential business information—remain under negotiation and will be addressed at the panel’s first official meeting. Together with the IPCC (on climate change) and IPBES (on biodiversity), the newly formed ISP-CWP complements the trio of global science-policy groups tackling the world’s three major environmental crises: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Amid a challenging geopolitical context, the very establishment of ISP-CWP is being viewed as a major achievement by many observers. While the panel’s foundational document still includes numerous areas which will need to be discussed, the consensus reached provides a base to build on.
At the inaugural meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group for the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC OEWG 1.0), delegates from governments, industry, civil society, and academia convened to assess implementation progress of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC), which was adopted in September 2023.
Participants reviewed actions taken since the 5th International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) and began laying the groundwork for the first International GFC Conference (IC-1), slated for 2026.
The OEWG process also reaffirmed the central role of shared responsibility and multisectoral coordination in achieving the framework’s five strategic objectives and 28 targets, which cover the full lifecycle of chemicals, from production to waste.
Spotlight on Multi-Stakeholder Day: Fireside Chats and Innovation Highlights and Expert Group on Green and Sustainable Chemistry Innovations and Solutions
One of the most dynamic elements of GFC OEWG 1.0 was the Multi-Stakeholder Day, which featured interactive sessions, masterclasses, and workshops on cross-cutting issues. ISC3 contributed to three events and hosted the Founders’ Fireside Chats, which brought together voices from the entrepreneurial frontlines.
Two Sustainable Chemistry entrepreneurs from Uruguay and Chile shared their experiences of translating sustainability principles into tangible business solutions—highlighting how innovation at the grassroots level can contribute to global policy goals.
Discussions also focused on sector-specific solutions for example in electronics and textiles. Cross-cutting themes and next steps of implementation in Green and Sustainable Chemistry - as a systemic driver for change - were discussed interactively by the Expert Group on Green and Sustainable Chemistry Innovations and Solutions together with the audience.
Japan: A GFC Implementation Trailblazer
Among the countries making significant strides in GFC implementation is Japan, which in April 2024 launched an Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Global Framework on Chemicals. Comprising nine ministries, the committee is tasked with aligning national policies to GFC objectives—demonstrating a proactive and coordinated national approach that could serve as a model for others.
ISC3’s Perspective
From ISC3’s point of view, these June meetings illustrate growing international momentum to accelerate action on chemicals and waste governance. The establishment of ISP-CWP and the forward-looking energy of GFC OEWG 1.0 underscore a clear global commitment: to strengthen science-policy collaboration, promote sustainability across industries, and scale up innovations that protect human health and the environment.As a global knowledge hub for sustainable chemistry, ISC3 remains committed to supporting these transformative processes and to empowering the international community of Sustainable Chemistry Changemakers.
ISC3
Input of Anna Isabel Becker at the thematic session on advancing Green and Sustainable Chemistry in high-impact sectors and value chains through the GFC with other stakeholders from industry, multilateral environmental organisations and civil society.
ISC3
Anna Isabel Becker and Matías Moya Alarcón (founder Photio) with Dr. Thomas Wanner (from left to right).
ISC3
Anna Isabel Becker with Dr. Claudia Vanesa Piattoni (founder Cryosmetics).
Forgot your Password?
Enter your your eMail address an we'll send you a link to reset your password.
You've got mail
We've send you an eMail with a link to reset your password.
Sign In
Sign in and be part of the Sustainable Chemistry community:
Welcome back
You are now signed in. Enjoy participating in our community.
Thank you for your registration
We've send you an eMail with a link to verify your account.
Ups.
Something is wrong
Thank you
Your Account has been verified and you have been logged-in.
Member Area
Change your Account Settings. Make an entry in the Event Calendar.