Senior Strategy Expert

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The overall objective of the UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. Resolution V/8 adopted at ICCM 5 on “Implementation arrangements” for the “Global Framework for Chemicals – For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste” makes specific reference to the value and various dimensions of integrated chemicals and waste management. Through thought leadership provided by UNEP, the concept was introduced by the IOMC during the inter-sessional negotiations through SAICM/ICCM.5/INF/18. It includes the following three dimensions: (1) Development of national chemicals and waste management systems; (2) Industry action in the economic and industrial sectors along value chains, and (3) Integration of chemicals and waste management in the implementation of the Sustainable Development. Identifying and addressing chemicals of concerns was identified as a topic relevant to all three dimensions. Resolution V/8 also invites the IOMC, stakeholders, as well as other international organizations to collaborate on, and develop proposals for implementation programmes, for further consideration at the next session of the Conference. The proposals should address respective mandates, terms of reference, workplans, and other relevant mechanisms. Topics mentioned in the Resolution include the above three dimensions of integrated chemicals and waste management, as well as “addressing issues of concern, as appropriate”. Resolution V/8 further states that the possible adoption of implementation programmes at the first international conference under the new Framework should not delay immediate stakeholder action to implement the strategic objectives and targets of the Global Framework on Chemicals. At the Open-Ended Working Group held in Uruguay in June 2026, comments were collected from stakeholders on the development of the implementation programmes and a Stakeholder Day was organised to reflect the initial sectoral work including crucial cross-thematic themes to enable the implementation of the Framework in these sectors. The ultimate results of the service will include the delivery of a comprehensive strategic framework outlining the innovative approaches required for the effective implementation of Implementation Programme 1; the provision of structured strategic input to support and shape the development of Implementation Programme 2; the preparation of a document clearly linking the structure and objectives of the OEWG Stakeholder Day with the newly proposed way forward to ensure strategic coherence; and the development of an integrated, results-oriented implementation strategy defining key actions and enabling the achievement of the 2030 targets.