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ISC3 Attends the Third ad hoc Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG 3) for the Establishment of a Science-Policy Panel (SPP)

ISC3 Attends the Third ad hoc Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG 3) for the Establishment of a Science-Policy Panel (SPP)

ISC3 participated in the third session of the ad hoc open-ended working group (OEWG 3) to support the preparation of proposals for a science-policy panel that contributes further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution. The event occurred from June 17-21, 2024 at the International Conference Center in Geneva (CICG) whereas previous OEWG sessions were held in Bangkok and Nairobi in 2023. Preceding the session were informal regional and stakeholder consultations on June 16, 2024. Over 550 government delegates convened from 124 Member States and 54 observer organisations.

ISC3
plenary hall with a stage

The growing threat of chemicals and waste pollution necessitates global action and a strong science-policy interface, which provides policymakers with timely and accurate scientific evidence to address these threats. Scientists are still trying to fully grasp the extent and complexity of these intertwined risks. A Science Policy Panel for chemicals, waste and to prevent pollution can draw lessons from other existing interfaces such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). Both interfaces contribute already significantly to improve knowledge on topics in the field of climate change and biodiversity.

The establishment of the Science-Policy Panel follows the UNEA Resolution 5/8 from March 2022, which called for its creation to strengthen the scientific basis for policies related to chemicals and waste management. The original timeline to agree on a foundational document, that would outline the basic structure of the Science-Policy Panel was end of 2024. As at OEWG 3 no consensus on this foundational document could be reached, the representatives decided to resume the session immediately before the intergovernmental meeting in early 2025. Controversial discussions in the past evolved around topics such as the institutional arrangements, policies and procedures, functions and operating principles of the future SPP.

ISC3 is committed to contributing to this crucial political dialogue and supporting the development of holistic, science-based solutions for global chemical and waste management as part of the Science and Technology Major Group.

More information and coverage on the OEWG SPP can be found here.