Fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management

Fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management

Subject: Environment

Section: International Conventions

Context: Delegates at a United Nations (UN) Conference in the German city of Bonn adopted a new global framework to reduce environmental risks from chemicals and waste on September 30, 2023.

Details:

• Countries also committed to phase out the most harmful chemicals at the fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management or ICCM5.
• The aim of the framework is to phase out lethal agricultural pesticides by 2035.
• The Bonn Declaration was also adopted at the summit.
• The Declaration aims to “prevent exposure to harmful chemicals, and phase out the most harmful ones, where appropriate, and enhance the safe management of such chemicals where they are needed.”
• It also encourages countries to support the transition to circular economies and to develop substitutes for chemicals.

What does the roadmap envisage?

• The plan sets out 28 concrete targets and guidelines for key sectors from production to waste. These include preventing illegal trafficking of chemicals and waste, introducing national laws and phasing out highly dangerous pesticides in agriculture by 2035.
• It also calls for a transition to more sustainable chemical alternatives, responsible use of chemicals in industry, agriculture and healthcare sectors, and better access to information about the risks associated with different chemicals.
• In addition, a system for classifying and labeling chemicals is to be introduced in more countries and a fund is to be created to promote the safe use of chemicals.
• Germany has pledged €20 million to implement the framework, which UNEP will manage.