Text of the Global Framework on Chemicals

Introduction

1.         The sound management of chemicals and waste is essential for protecting human health and the environment. While progress in minimizing adverse impacts of chemicals and waste has been made, the global goal on chemicals management adopted at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (2002) – to achieve, by 2020, that chemicals would be used and produced in ways leading to the minimization of significant adverse effects on human health and the environment – was not achieved by 2020. More ambitious and urgent action by all stakeholders and sectors is required in order to protect present and future generations. 

2.         Chemicals play an important role as an integral part of our everyday lives in materials, articles and products globally. Their sound management is crucial for preventing and, where prevention is not feasible, minimizing adverse impacts on human health and the environment. The economic,[1] environmental and social benefits of action are indisputable, in particular to achieve the good health and well-being of all populations. 

3.         The Global Chemicals Outlook II [2] cautions that “business as usual” is not an option. The global chemical industry was estimated at US$ 5 trillion in 2017 and its size is projected to double by 2030.[3] Hazardous chemicals continue to be released in large quantities. Scientific evidence alerts us that pollution from chemicals and waste is not sustainable. Exposure to hazardous chemicals and waste throughout their supply chains and life cycles threatens human health and disproportionately impacts vulnerable and at-risk groups.[4]

4.         The Global Framework on Chemicals – For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste builds on a unique multisectoral and multi-stakeholder approach. It strengthens collaboration and coordination among stakeholders to address the triple crisis for our common environment of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, among other challenges. While its focus must be on building chemicals and waste management capacities in all countries, the intent of the Framework [5]  is to catalyse a transformational shift towards sustainable chemistry in the chemical and downstream sectors in a life-cycle approach, through guiding principles, clear strategic objectives, defined time bound programmes and initiatives, and measurable targets. 

5.         The aim of the Framework is to prevent or, where prevention is not feasible, minimize harm from chemicals and waste to protect the environment and human health, including that of vulnerable groups and workers. The Framework is cross-sectoral and action-oriented, with strong governance and measurability structures that facilitate transparency and ownership of roles and responsibilities to assess progress and promote international standards. It supports innovation to provide better products that are safer and sustainable by design and advance sustainable consumption and production patterns, including through resource efficiency and circular economy approaches. Stakeholders include but are not limited to Governments, regional economic integration organizations, intergovernmental organizations, civil society, industries, businesses, the financial sector, development banks, academia, workers, retailers and individuals. Sectors are understood to include, but not be limited to, agriculture, environment, health, education, finance, development, construction and labour. 

6.         The Framework will contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and remain relevant for action beyond 2030. Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals in all three dimensions (economic, social and environmental) is critical for creating the conditions necessary to fulfil the strategic objectives and targets of the Framework. The Framework complements other international agreements and arrangements and supports, but is not intended to duplicate, their implementation.

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[1] According to the Global Chemicals Outlook II: From Legacies to Innovative Solutions: Implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (United Nations Environment Programme, 2019), “the benefits of action to minimize adverse impacts have been estimated in the high tens of billions of United States dollars annually” (p. vi).

[2] Ibid., p. 17.

[3] Ibid., p. vi.

[4] Workers; farmers; women, children and youth; Indigenous Peoples; and the elderly.

[5] This and subsequent references to “the Framework” are understood to refer to the Global Framework on Chemicals – For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste.

IV. Principles and approaches

10. Implementation of the Framework should be guided by the principles and approaches in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and, as appropriate, those in annex II to the Framework, as well as the following: 

A. Knowledge and information

11. There is expertise in and among regions and strong support for the sharing of knowledge, including traditional knowledge and Indigenous knowledge systems shared on the basis of free, prior and informed consent. The Framework promotes coordination and access to information for informed and science-based decision-making on chemicals and waste management.

12. The implementation of the sound management of chemicals and waste at all levels should be supported by the best available science.

B. Transparency

13. Transparency is essential for ensuring informed and legitimate decision-making processes. The Framework supports transparency of information in all aspects of implementation. The ability to participate in decision-making processes, the encouragement of public awareness, and access to relevant information on chemicals and their use as well as to environmental information are fundamental to the protection of human health and the environment.

14. Effective access to justice is important for people to have their voices heard, to exercise their rights and to challenge discrimination.

C. Human rights

15. The implementation of the sound management of chemicals and waste contributes to the full enjoyment of human rights and human well-being and dignity.

D. Groups in vulnerable situations

16. Exposure to chemicals and waste often disproportionately affects people in vulnerable situations, including children, youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, women, workers, migrants, farmers, people living in poverty, and Indigenous Peoples and local communities. The implementation of the Framework should take these groups into consideration when protecting human health and the environment. 

E. Gender equality

17. Women are agents of change and are essential to addressing the issues of chemicals and waste. The Framework advances gender equality through women’s full and equal participation and gender‑inclusive approaches in all aspects of the implementation of the Framework, including in decision-making.

F. Preventive approaches

18. Prevention is the hallmark of all activities aimed at reducing risks from chemicals and waste. A hierarchical approach consists of prioritizing primary prevention in order to prevent and, where prevention is not feasible, minimize exposure to hazards that may cause disease and injury or adverse impacts to the environment. 

19. Prevention of exposure to hazardous chemicals and their substitution contribute to intergenerational, social and environmental justice. The development and use of safe and sustainable chemicals are priorities for the sound management of chemicals and waste. 

G. Just transition

20. The shift to sustainable production can have unintended impacts on communities, health and livelihoods. A just transition towards an environmentally sustainable economy with the sound management of chemicals and waste contributes to the goals of decent work for all, social inclusion, protection of human rights and the eradication of poverty. 

H. Collaboration and participation

21. Networks, partnerships and mechanisms for technical cooperation are important for effective capacity-building, work on issues of common interest, and exchange of information, taking into account the circumstances of developing countries and their required capacity-building. 

V. Strategic objectives and targets

22. The following strategic objectives and targets will guide stakeholders in their efforts at all levels to address the sound management of chemicals and waste.
23. Achieving these strategic objectives and targets requires the three components of the integrated approach to financing, including mainstreaming, private-sector involvement, and identifying and mobilizing dedicated external financing, which are equally important and mutually reinforcing. Strengthening sustainable, predictable, adequate and accessible long-term financing from all sources is also essential for achieving the objectives and targets of the Framework.

A. Strategic objectives

A.    Legal frameworks, institutional mechanisms and capacities are in place to support and achieve the safe and sustainable management of chemicals throughout their life cycle. 
B.    Comprehensive and sufficient knowledge, data and information are generated, available and accessible to all to enable informed decisions and actions. 
C.    Issues of concern are identified, prioritized and addressed.
D.    Safer alternatives and innovative and sustainable solutions in product value chains are in place so that benefits to human health and the environment are maximized and risks are prevented or, where prevention is not feasible, minimized. 
E.    Enhanced implementation occurs through increased and effective resource mobilization, partnerships, cooperation, capacity-building, and integration into all relevant decision-making processes. 
 

B. Targets

Target A1 – By 2030, Governments have adopted and are implementing and enforcing legal frameworks, and have established appropriate institutional capacity to prevent or, where prevention is not feasible, minimize adverse effects from chemicals and waste as appropriate for their national circumstances.

Target A2 – By 2030, intergovernmental stakeholders develop guidelines to support the needs of interested Governments and relevant stakeholders to implement effective chemicals and waste management strategies, building on, among other things, updates of the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals toolbox for decision-making in chemicals management.

Target A3 – By 2030, companies implement measures identified to prevent or, where prevention is not feasible, minimize adverse effects from chemicals throughout their life cycle. 

Target A4 – By 2030, stakeholders have effectively prevented all illegal trade and traffic of chemicals and waste. 

Target A5 – By 2030, Governments work towards notifying, regulating or prohibiting the export of chemicals they have prohibited nationally, in line with their international obligations.

Target A6 – By 2030, all countries have access to poison centers equipped with essential capabilities to prevent and respond to poisonings, as well as access to training in chemical risk prevention and clinical toxicology. 

Target A7 – By 2035, stakeholders have taken effective measures to phase out highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture where the risks have not been managed and where safer and affordable alternatives are available, and to promote transition to and make available those alternatives. 

Target B1 – By 2035, comprehensive data and information on the properties of chemicals are generated and made available and accessible. 

Target B2 – By 2030, stakeholders make available, to the extent possible, reliable information on chemicals in materials and products throughout the value chain.

Target B3 – By 2035, stakeholders generate data on the production of chemicals, including the use of chemicals in materials and products, in addition to data on emissions and releases of chemicals and waste to the environment, making these data available and publicly accessible.

Target B4 – By 2035, stakeholders apply appropriate guidelines, best available practices and standardized tools for hazard and risk assessment and chemical and waste management. 

Target B5 – By 2030, educational, training and public awareness programmes on chemical safety, sustainability, safer alternatives and the benefits of reducing chemicals and waste risks have been developed and implemented, taking into consideration a gender-responsive approach. 

Target B6 – By 2030, all Governments have implemented the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) in all relevant sectors as appropriate for their national circumstances. 

Target B7 – By 2030, stakeholders generate, to the extent possible, and make available comprehensive and accessible monitoring and surveillance data and information on concentrations and potential exposure sources of chemicals in humans (disaggregated by sex, age, region, other demographic factors, and other relevant health determinants as feasible), other biota and environmental media. 

Target C1 – Processes and programmes of work including timelines are established, adopted and implemented for identified issues of concern. 

Target D1 – By 2030, companies consistently invest in and achieve innovations towards advancing sustainable chemistry and resource efficiency throughout the life cycle of chemicals. 

Target D2 – By 2035, Governments implement policies that encourage production using safer alternatives and sustainable approaches throughout the life cycle, including best available techniques, green procurement and circular economy approaches.

Target D3 – By 2030, the private sector, including the finance sector, incorporates strategies and policies to implement the sound management of chemicals and waste in its finance approaches and business models and applies internationally recognized or equivalent reporting standards. 

Target D4 – By 2030, relevant stakeholders give priority to sustainable solutions and safer alternatives to harmful substances in products and mixtures, including in consumer products, in their research and innovation programmes. 

Target D5 – By 2030, Governments implement policies and programmes to increase support to safer and more sustainable agricultural practices, including agroecology, integrated pest management and the use of non-chemical alternatives, as appropriate.

Target D6 – By 2030, sustainable chemical and waste management strategies have been developed and implemented for major economic and industry sectors that identify priority chemicals of concern and standards and measures, such as the chemical footprint approach, to reduce their impact and, where feasible, their input along the value chain.

Target D7 – By 2030, stakeholders implement measures and strive to ensure effective occupational health and safety practices as well as environmental protection measures in all relevant sectors and throughout the supply chain. 

Target E1 – By 2035, Governments have mainstreamed the sound management of chemicals and waste through implementation in all relevant sectoral plans, budgets and development plans and development assistance policies and programmes.

Target E2 – By 2030, partnerships and networks among sectors and stakeholders are strengthened to achieve the sound management of chemicals and waste. 

Target E3 – Adequate, predictable and sustainable financial resources from all sources needed to support achieving the sound management of chemicals and waste are identified and mobilized in alignment with the vision, strategic objectives and targets of the Framework in all sectors by and for all stakeholders, including by leveraging private finance and promoting innovative and blended‑finance schemes. 

Target E4 – Funding gaps for the implementation of sound management of chemicals and waste are identified and considered for capacity-building, including through the Global Framework on Chemicals Fund.

Target E5 – By 2030, Governments have taken measures to put in place policies to internalize the costs of the sound management of chemicals and waste through different approaches. 

Target E6 – By 2030, stakeholders identify and strengthen, as appropriate, synergies and linkages between chemicals and waste management and other key environmental, health and labour policies, such as those related to climate change solutions, biodiversity conservation, human rights protection, universal health coverage or primary health care.

VI. Mechanisms to support implementation

A.    Implementation programmes 
24.    The International Conference on the Global Framework on Chemicals – For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste (hereafter referred to as the International Conference) may adopt programmes to support the implementation of the Framework in order to achieve its strategic objectives, as presented in part V, “Strategic objectives and targets”. Such programmes should have their own focus and engage relevant sectors and stakeholders, and could include, in a flexible and dynamic format, the actions that the stakeholders intend to initiate or contribute to at the national, regional, and/or international levels in order to successfully meet the relevant targets identified in part V. Such programmes should also include any necessary mandates, terms of reference, workplans and/or other mechanisms, including actions to address identified issues of concern where relevant, to contribute to the success of the overall Framework and its strategic objectives.
25.    Participation in each of the programmes of implementation should be open to all relevant stakeholders and sectors. The International Conference may establish ad hoc working groups to provide direction and momentum for the work, as well as to mobilize engagement. In addition to the actors specifically identified in the targets, the International Conference should invite the Inter Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals and intergovernmental organizations to contribute actively to the implementation programmes to support the Framework and to further strengthen international cooperation and multisectoral engagement in the sound management of chemicals and waste.

B.    National implementation
26.    To sustain an integrated approach for the sound management of chemicals and waste, each Government should establish arrangements such as national plans of action for implementation on an interministerial or interinstitutional basis, in consultation with stakeholders, so that the interests of concerned national departments and stakeholders are represented and all relevant substantive areas are addressed.
27.    Each Government should designate a national focal point to facilitate communication and coordination at the national, regional and international levels with respect to the Framework. The national focal point should, among other duties, disseminate information, develop a network or a mechanism for coordinating national views that includes consultations with all relevant sectors and stakeholders, attend meetings, and be representative of the country’s interministerial and/or inter institutional arrangements, where such arrangements exist.
28.    To support effective implementation, stronger efforts are required to ensure that national implementation involves the engagement of the appropriate range of stakeholders and sectors (e.g., the health, environmental, agriculture and labour sectors) to address national priorities.
29.    Governments may develop a national plan of action or programme in consultation with other stakeholders to further implement efforts at the national level. Such a plan or programme may be used to support reporting under this part of the Framework on the progress made during the reporting period, keeping in mind that such plans or programmes are tailored to national actions and measures and should not duplicate existing arrangements or other reporting efforts.
30.    All stakeholders should take action to promote progress in the implementation of the strategic objectives and targets of the Framework.

C.    Regional cooperation and coordination
31.    Priorities and capacities for implementation vary among regions according to their different economic and other circumstances.
32.    International, regional and sectoral collaboration play integral roles in supporting the sound management of chemicals and waste at all levels, including among trading partners and regional organizations.
33.    International and regional meetings and coordination mechanisms play an important role in enabling stakeholders in each region to exchange experiences and identify priority needs in relation to implementation, as well as to develop regional positions on key issues.
34.    Regions are encouraged, where appropriate:
(a)    To identify common priorities;
(b)    To develop regional implementation plans for the sound management of chemicals and waste, and to consider regional or subregional approaches and projects;
(c)    To appoint a regional focal point.
35.    Regional focal points are to play a facilitative role in their regions, including undertaking activities determined at the regional level, such as chairing regional meetings, disseminating information of interest to focal points in their region, collecting views from national focal points on matters of interest to the region, identifying opportunities for regional cooperation, assisting in the flow of information and views from the region to its Bureau member, as appropriate, and reporting periodically on the outcomes of regional meetings and other regional activities.

D.    Enhanced sectoral and stakeholder engagement
36.    The involvement and commitment of all relevant sectors and stakeholders at the local, national, regional and international levels is important for the sound management of chemicals throughout their life cycle.
37.    At the national level, Governments, as appropriate, should undertake actions to build or improve regulatory and non-regulatory frameworks and institutional structures and capacity for multisectoral coherence. 
38.    Relevant regional conventions, programmes, centres, bodies and processes, such as ministerial forums on health, labour and environmental issues, are invited to support and augment such national efforts, fostering coordination and cooperation.
39.    The Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals and intergovernmental organizations are invited to contribute actively to the implementation of the Framework and to continue to promote broad engagement and coordination of the policies, work programmes and activities of relevant intergovernmental organizations with a view to further strengthening international cooperation and multisectoral engagement in the sound management of chemical and waste.
40.    The enhanced efforts of all relevant sectors and stakeholders should include increased or improved (a) actions by members of individual sectors and stakeholders, (b) collaboration between and among key sectoral and stakeholder groups, (c) multi-stakeholder and multisectoral dialogue throughout the implementation of the Framework, and (d) contributions, as appropriate, to achieve the shared vision as well as the objective and targets of the Framework.
41.    All stakeholders, especially the public sector, including health and care services, are invited to enhance the contribution to the sound management of chemicals and waste through safe and sustainable chemicals and waste policies, contracts and practices in workplaces and communities, and through procurement policies that prioritize protective practices.
42.    The involvement of industry and the private sector throughout the value chain needs to be significantly enhanced under the Framework at all levels. The roles and responsibilities of industry and the private sector throughout the value chain in implementing the sound management of chemicals and waste offer a strong basis for enhanced involvement and action and should be clearly identified and developed. 
43.    Industry and the private sector should conduct due diligence to ensure that international standards, including International Labour Organization standards, on health and safety in the management of chemicals and waste are put in place throughout their value chains in order to protect health and respect human rights.
44.    Stakeholders are invited to set out their future actions to implement the Framework in workplans, road maps, milestones, pledges or other appropriate commitments, which should contain a clear definition of the roles and responsibilities of the sector and/or stakeholder in question and of the intended implementation mechanism that contributes to the achievement of the objectives and targets, as well as opportunities for collaboration or joint actions.
45.    The health sector has a critical role and unique expertise to contribute to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to the promotion of health and well-being. Stakeholders are encouraged to use the World Health Organization Chemicals Road Map, as appropriate, as a tool to facilitate cross-sectoral collaboration and to identify concrete actions that the health sector can contribute towards the achievement of the strategic objectives of the Framework.
46.    The sound management of chemicals and waste in the world of work is essential for protecting workers, communities and the environment. A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right at work; therefore, all workers should be protected from hazardous chemicals and waste along the entire supply chain. Workplace measures and policies, including the ratification and implementation of relevant International Labour Organization standards, should be integrated in chemicals and waste management efforts. 

VII. Issues of concern

A.    Definition
47.    An issue of concern is an issue involving any phase in the life cycle of chemicals that has not yet been generally recognized, is insufficiently addressed, or arises as a potential concern from the current level of scientific information, and that may have adverse effects on human health and/or the environment that would benefit from international action.

B.    Nomination, selection and adoption of issues
48.    To nominate an issue, the nominating stakeholder should submit the information specified in part 1 of annex I to the Framework.
49.    In accordance with part II of annex I, nominations will be reviewed by the secretariat and circulated to all stakeholders.
50.    Nominations will be considered by the International Conference at its regular meetings.
51.    The International Conference should:
(a)    Select and adopt issues of concern by a resolution of the International Conference. If several issues are nominated, the International Conference, when considering nominations, may choose to prioritize the issues that are most important for protecting human health and the environment, and regarding which the most progress can be made under the Framework, taking into account the precautionary approach, as appropriate;
(b)    Establish an ad hoc multi-stakeholder working group for each issue, unless the International Conference decides otherwise. The International Conference should consider whether specific sectoral engagement should be encouraged and whether organizations should be identified from among the participating organizations of the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals, national Governments, other organizations, and/or contributing stakeholders to lead the work (see annex I, part I, para. 1 (i)); 
(c)    Identify, where possible, specific activities or actions and related timelines for each issue adopted that the International Conference believes likely to contribute to the success of the work in relation to the issue and the Framework, based on the information submitted, and recommend consideration of such activities or actions and related timelines to the ad hoc multi-stakeholder working group; 
(d)    Carefully consider, when identifying a proposed timeline, the information provided in the submission of information, in particular in any proposed workplan (see annex I, part I, para. 1 (h)).
52.    The ad hoc multi-stakeholder working groups are to:
(a)    Develop a workplan, if one is not already available, for achieving the proposed timelines for action agreed to by the International Conference. Such a workplan should include targets and indicators specific to each issue in order to allow results to be assessed. If the submitted information includes a workplan, the ad hoc multi-stakeholder working groups may, as needed, further refine the workplan; 
(b)    Encourage effective implementation of the workplan by stakeholders;
(c)    Coordinate, as appropriate, with other relevant bodies to maximize efforts to achieve the proposed timelines for action established by the International Conference and to avoid duplication of work;
(d)    Report on progress to the International Conference at regular intervals, taking into account any targets or indicators included in the workplan; 
(e)    Make recommendations, as needed, for further consideration by the International Conference.

C.    Mechanisms for implementation
53.    Workplans to guide implementation of issues of concern are addressed in part III of annex I.
54.    The ad hoc multi-stakeholder working groups should, with support from the secretariat, oversee monitoring and reporting back from stakeholders and encourage implementation of the workplan through regular progress reports to meetings of the International Conference and periodic reviews during intersessional periods, as specified in the workplan or as requested by the International Conference.
55.    The International Conference may determine the need for further work on an issue on the basis of a full explanation of the rationale and recommendations on a way forward, including options on how to reach the defined targets for the issue of concern, provided by the ad hoc multi-stakeholder working group, with support from the secretariat, following the evaluation of progress with the activities carried out in accordance with the workplan for the issue of concern.
56.    The International Conference may decide to conclude work on a particular issue.

VIII. Capacity-building

 57.    Increased mobilization of resources, in accordance with the integrated approach to financing, is critical to capacity-building, including scientific and technical cooperation, and to support for technology transfer on mutually agreed terms, which are both essential for the successful implementation of the Framework and the achievement of its vision, strategic objectives and targets. All stakeholders should be equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and resources to implement the Framework.
58.    Stakeholders cooperate to provide, within the scope of their respective capabilities, timely and appropriate support for these activities. Support may be delivered through regional, subregional and national arrangements, implementation programmes, and other multilateral and bilateral means, including alliances, partnerships, voluntary peer reviews and other innovative approaches, especially with the private sector.
59.    Where possible, stakeholders align activities with those undertaken by other multilateral environmental agreements, multilateral development banks and other institutions to increase the effectiveness of cooperation, including with efforts to address climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, health, labour, agriculture and human rights.
60.    The International Conference will develop a strategy for capacity-building and supporting technology transfer on mutually agreed terms, recognizing that the industries are profitable and production is growing worldwide. The strategy will include capacity-building tools and other initiatives.
61.    Thereafter, the International Conference will, on a regular basis:
(a)    Assess the impact and improve the effectiveness of the strategy;
(b)    Consider the capacity-building needs of all stakeholders and make any necessary recommendations.

IX. Financial considerations

62.    Adequate, predictable and sustainable financing, technical assistance, capacity-building and technology transfer on mutually agreed terms are essential for achieving the objectives and targets of the Framework. The participation of representatives of all involved stakeholders and sectors at the national, regional and international levels should be ensured in the integrated approach to financing the sound management of chemicals and waste.

A.    Integrated approach to financing
63.    All three components of the integrated approach to financing – mainstreaming, private-sector involvement and dedicated external finance – are equally important and mutually reinforcing. 
64.    Stakeholders should take steps to implement the integrated approach to financing the sound management of chemicals and waste, including, in particular, making tangible progress with respect to the three components. 
    1.    Mainstreaming
65.    Mainstreaming is key for ensuring that needs are met nationally and that support through national budgets, bilateral development assistance plans, and multilateral assistance framework processes is mobilized. 
66.    International, regional and national financial institutions and their governing bodies, as well as the private sector and investors, are strongly encouraged to expressly integrate sound management of chemicals and waste activities in the scope of activities that they fund. 
    2.    Private-sector involvement
67.    The private sector, throughout the value chain, should increase its efforts to internalize costs, as well as increase its financial and non-financial contributions to the implementation of the sound management of chemicals and waste, in order to avoid or, where that is not possible, reduce their risks and mitigate their adverse impacts on the environment and human health. 
68.    The private sector should support the Framework objectives and targets of sound management of chemicals and waste by providing contributions, including enforcement of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) globally, data generation, data sharing, partnerships and capacity-building. The private sector should further advance the sound management of chemicals and waste through commitments to innovation, training, safety and sustainability initiatives, as well as compliance with chemicals- and waste-related regulatory requirements, and including relevant elements of occupational safety and health in jurisdictions around the globe. 
    3.    Dedicated external financing
69.    Stakeholders should strengthen the component of dedicated external financing, including by leveraging private finance, promoting innovative and blended finance, considering strategies for increasing resources, and encouraging the private sector to invest in the sound management of chemicals and waste.
70.    Stakeholders decide to establish a Global Framework on Chemicals Fund to support Framework stakeholders in the implementation of the Framework. The Fund will contain a voluntary, time-limited trust fund and may include multilateral, bilateral and private-sector sources. The Fund will be administered by the United Nations Environment Programme. 
71.    Inviting Governments and other stakeholders to provide resources to enable the secretariat of the Global Framework on Chemicals to fulfil the tasks set out in paragraph 70 above, including by:
(a)    Inviting the United Nations Environment Programme to arrange for the transfer of the funds remaining in the Quick Start Programme Trust Fund to initiate the Global Framework on Chemicals Fund;
(b)    Inviting all countries and regional economic integration organizations to contribute; 
(c)    Inviting the private sector, including industry, foundations and other non-governmental organizations, to also contribute.

B.    Establishment of and engagement in multisectoral partnerships
72.    Stakeholders are encouraged to create and implement transparent and accountable multisectoral partnerships. Stakeholders are also encouraged to explore funding opportunities by engaging mechanisms in all sectors. 

X. Institutional arrangements

A.    International Conference on the Global Framework on Chemicals – For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste
73.    With respect to the Framework and its implementation, the functions of the International Conference will be: 
(a)    To adopt its rules of procedure; 
(b)    To oversee implementation and review progress with a view to addressing gaps at the national, regional and international levels and taking appropriate action; 
(c)    To promote the implementation of existing international instruments and programmes relating to chemicals and waste; 
(d)    To promote cooperation and coordination among international instruments and programmes relating to chemicals and waste; 
(e)    To promote the strengthening of national chemicals and waste management capacities; 
(f)    To promote, enhance and support participation by and interaction among stakeholders and sectors in the International Conference and in the programme of work; 
(g)    To promote awareness, including based on scientific information, regarding new developments and trends, and to identify and communicate links to sustainable development; 
(h)    To set priorities for the programme of work informed by scientific information; 
(i)    To consider relevant outcomes of the work of the science-policy panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution to be established under United Nations Environment Assembly resolution 5/8, and to invite, as appropriate, the panel to provide scientific information and assessments, and input on specific issues of concern adopted by the International Conference; 
(j)    To determine processes for guiding appropriate science-based action on issues of concern; 
(k)    To provide guidance to the secretariat and to stakeholders on implementation; 
(l)    To establish subsidiary bodies as it deems necessary in accordance with its rules of procedure; 
(m)    To promote the implementation of the elements of the integrated approach to financing the sound management of chemicals and waste and make recommendations to address relevant issues; 
(n)    To receive reports from all relevant stakeholders on their implementation of the Framework and to assess, on the basis of the information provided, the overall progress of implementation and disseminate such information, as appropriate; 
(o)    To evaluate the implementation of activities, review progress against the objectives and targets, and update the programme of work as appropriate with a view to achieving the vision; 
(p)    To decide to convene, as appropriate, a high-level segment for multisectoral and multi stakeholder discussion; 
(q)    To initiate the process of updating or revising the Framework, as appropriate. 
74.    The International Conference should invite stakeholders from the environment, health, labour, industry and agriculture sectors involved in chemicals management and safety issues to participate in the meeting. 
75.    The International Conference should design its agenda in a manner that allows meaningful discussions of priorities, gaps and implementation issues faced by different sectors. 
76.    The International Conference will meet every third year, unless it decides otherwise. 
77.    When appropriate, sessions of the International Conference should be held back to back with meetings of the governing bodies of relevant intergovernmental organizations in order to enhance synergies and cost-effectiveness.

B.    Bureau of the International Conference
78.    The International Conference should have a Bureau in accordance with its rules of procedure. The Bureau should reflect the multi-stakeholder and multisectoral nature of the Framework and should reflect due regard to the principle of equitable geographical representation and to gender balance, as well as to representation from different sectors among government representatives, subject to the relevant rules of procedure.

C.    Secretariat
79.    The functions performed by the secretariat under the guidance of the International Conference will be: 
(a)    To promote the establishment and maintenance of a network of stakeholders at the national, regional and international levels; 
(b)    To promote and facilitate the implementation of the Framework, including capacity building and technical assistance; 
(c)    To continue to strengthen working relationships with participating organizations of the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals and their networks, other United Nations bodies, and the secretariats of relevant international agreements in order to draw upon their sectoral expertise; 
(d)    To facilitate and promote the exchange of relevant scientific and technical information, including the development and dissemination of guidance materials to support stakeholder implementation, and to provide information clearinghouse services; 
(e)    To facilitate the meetings and intersessional work of the International Conference as well as regional meetings, and to disseminate the reports and recommendations of the International Conference, including to relevant global and regional organizations and institutions; 
(f)    To support the functioning of technical, policy and scientific subsidiary and ad hoc expert bodies established by the International Conference; 
(g)    To promote, enhance and support the participation of all sectors and stakeholders in the International Conference and the programme of work, including in meetings of the international conference and regional meetings; 
(h)    To report to the International Conference on implementation by all stakeholders of the Framework. 
    1.    Financing the secretariat
80.    A core budget for the secretariat of the Framework is identified covering staff costs for non seconded staff, office costs and travel costs, and the costs of conference services and meetings. The core budget is financed by voluntary contributions from Governments, the private sector, and all other stakeholders. 
81.    Before the start of each calendar year the secretariat invites each Government and other stakeholder groups, through their respective focal points, to make a voluntary financial contribution. 
82.    All stakeholders support the work of the secretariat by voluntarily contributing financial and in-kind resources, as appropriate, including but not limited to: 
(a)    Voluntary financial contributions; 
(b)    In-kind resources, such as secondment, as appropriate, and sector-related work by the secretariat; 
(c)    Hosting of meetings, sector participation at meetings, and support for the production and dissemination of outputs of the Framework. 
83.    Where possible, the contributions are defined at the beginning of the budget cycle by an agreement between the respective organization and the secretariat. 

XI. Taking stock of progress

84.    All stakeholders are invited to report to the International Conference, through the secretariat, on implementation efforts and progress towards indicators and milestones, and on contributions to implement the Framework in meeting the strategic objectives and their associated targets towards the vision. By doing so, stakeholders can identify successful outcomes, as well as any gaps and/or challenges; drive opportunities for scaling up and improvement; share information; assess the need for enhanced implementation efforts; and, if necessary, further prioritize their engagement and activities. 
85.    Reporting processes should occur regularly and sufficiently often, as decided by the International Conference, to provide for the effective assessment of progress under the Framework in meeting its vision. 
86.    All stakeholders are encouraged to provide information related to their implementation efforts. Such information should be provided through an organized, transparent and accessible online tool, consistent with any guidance or template provided by the International Conference. Such information may also include reporting on voluntary commitments as well as on pledges and/or similar activities. 
87.    The secretariat should prepare a compilation of the reports received for presentation to the International Conference and to the public in a user-friendly format that helps visualize progress under the Framework. 
88.    The International Conference may invite the sharing of data and information from complementary reporting processes of relevant agreements, initiatives and the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals and other organizations, in order to take into consideration, as appropriate, any linkages with such agreements, initiatives and organizations and to minimize the reporting burden for all stakeholders, while avoiding duplication of efforts. 
89.    Responsible organizations may be invited by the International Conference to analyse progress with regard to targets and strategic objectives through impact indicators of the Framework, and to report thereon to the International Conference. The secretariat may invite stakeholders to provide supplementary information and to collate relevant information and forward it to responsible organizations for evaluation. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide supplementary information to the secretariat when invited to do so. 
90.    The overall effectiveness of the Framework should be independently evaluated in accordance with terms of reference to be agreed on by the International Conference. This overall evaluation should take place as decided by the International Conference. 
91.    A measurability structure provided in annex III to the Framework illustrates the different categories of indicators that may be used to track progress under and the impact of the Framework, including but not limited to:
(a)    High-level indicators for measuring progress towards the vision of the Framework in relation to impacts of chemicals and waste on human health and on the environment: 
(i)    The global burden of disease attributable to chemicals and waste; 
(ii)    The global environmental burden attributable to chemicals and waste;
(b)    Headline indicators, when identified, to measure impact against the strategic objectives. 
(c)    Process indicators that measure actions taken and impact indicators that measure results achieved against the targets.

XII. Revising and updating the Framework

92.    The International Conference may consider initiating a process to update or revise the Framework after taking into account the assessment of the information and data called for from all stakeholders in part XI, “Taking stock of progress” and the results of the periodic evaluations called for by the International Conference to review the overall effectiveness of the Framework.
93.    Such updates or revisions may be proposed by any Government and will require formal adoption by the International Conference. The text of any proposed update or revision shall be communicated to all stakeholders and focal points by the secretariat at least six months in advance of the session of the International Conference. 

Annex I -  Issues of concern

I.    Submission of information
1.    When an issue is nominated, the following information should be provided:
(a)    Why the Framework is best placed to advance the issue;
(b)    Impacts on human health and/or the environment related to the issue, taking into account vulnerable and at-risk populations (especially women, children, youth and workers), biodiversity, ecosystems and available toxicological, ecotoxicological, environmental fate and behaviour, and exposure data;
(c)    How the issue is integral to the vision of the Framework, is ongoing, and needs to be addressed in order to enhance basic chemicals and waste management and/or advance the implementation of innovative and sustainable solutions, in particular taking into account specific national circumstances;
(d)    How addressing the issue can assist countries to meet the Sustainable Development Goals;
(e)    The extent to which the issue is of a cross-cutting nature, including at the sectoral level;
(f)    The extent to which the issue is being addressed by other bodies, at the regional or international level, and how the proposed action to address the issue is related to, complements or does not duplicate such efforts;
(g)    Summary of existing knowledge, relevant past activities, scientific uncertainties, and gaps in understanding and/or action;
(h)    A workplan, including potential targets, indicators and timelines for implementation of the proposed issue; 
(i)    Identification of potential lead organization(s) and of opportunities for multi stakeholder and multisectoral engagement.

II.    Nominations
    A.    Nomination of issues
2.    The process for nominating issues is open to any stakeholder. The nomination procedure will be made available on the Framework website.
3.    To promote communication about the nomination:
(a)    Nominations should be submitted to the secretariat no later than six months prior to a meeting of the International Conference;
(b)    Nominations should be communicated by the secretariat to all stakeholders, including all focal points;
(c)    Regions may wish to add the topic of nominations to the agendas of relevant regional meetings.
    B.    Initial review and publication of nominations
4.    The secretariat will check nominations for completeness with the aim of assisting proponents with their nominations, if possible. Proponents should be requested to provide missing or additional information. The secretariat will compile a list of nominations, accompanied by a summary of information from the submission. Similar nominations will be clustered so that similar issues can be considered together, as appropriate and relevant.
5.    The secretariat will invite all stakeholders to provide comments on the nominations prior to the session of the International Conference at which they will be considered. Comments received from stakeholders will be made publicly available by the secretariat.
6.    The proponents of an issue will have an opportunity to revise their nomination to take into account comments or to clarify information provided, and to work with other proponents to consolidate nominations that may be similar or complementary.
7.    The secretariat will make available the final nominations as soon as possible and will invite further comments on those nominations for consideration at the International Conference. Any comments should be made available by the secretariat six weeks in advance of the International Conference.

III.    Workplans 
8.    Implementation of actions to address issues is guided by a workplan with clear timelines and milestones.
9.    All stakeholders are encouraged to take the necessary actions and/or provide funding and necessary assistance towards the implementation of the workplan.

Annex II - Principles and approaches

(a)    Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm Declaration) (1972), in particular principle 22; [1]
(b)    Agenda 21 (1992), in particular chapters 6, 8, 19 and 20; [2]  
(c)    Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (1992); [3]
(d)    Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995); [4] 
(e)    Bahia Declaration on Chemical Safety (2000); [5]
(f)    United Nations Millennium Declaration (2000); [6]
(g)    Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg Plan of Implementation) (2002); [7]
(h)    Dubai Declaration on International Chemicals Management (2006); [8]
(i)    World Health Organization, Principles for Evaluating Health Risks in Children Associated with Exposure to Chemicals, (2006); [9]
(j)    United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007); [10]
(k)    Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: Implementing the United Nations “Protect, Respect and Remedy” Framework (2011); [11]
(l)    “The future we want” (2012); [12]
(m)    International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management (2014); [13]
(n)    Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development (2015); [14]
(o)    International Labour Organization, Guidelines for a Just Transition towards environmentally Sustainable Economies and Societies for All (2015); [15]  
(p)    Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2015); [16]
(q)    Women’s Empowerment and the Link to Sustainable Development (agreed conclusions of the sixtieth session of the Commission on the Status of Women) (2016); [17] 
(r)    International Labour Organization, Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (2023);
(s)    World Health Organization, Chemicals Road Map (2017); [18]
(t)    General Assembly resolution 76/300 of 28 July 2022 on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment (2022); 
(u)    The following agreements, where applicable:
     (i)    Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women       (1979); [19]
     (ii)    Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1989); [20]
     (iii)    International Labour Organization Chemicals Convention (No. 170) (1990);
     (iv)    Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous      Wastes and Their Disposal (1992); [21]
     (v)    International Labour Organization Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents  Convention (No. 174) (1993); 
     (vi)    Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain  Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (2004); [22]
     (vii)    Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (2004); [23]
     (viii)    International Health Regulations (2005); [24]
     (ix)    Minamata Convention on Mercury (2017); [25]
     (x)    All International Labour Organization Fundamental Conventions, including the  Occupational Safety and Health Convention (No. 155) (1981) and the Promotional  Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention (No. 187) (2006), and all other  relevant international labour standards pertaining to health and safety in the area of  chemicals and waste.

____________________

[1] Report of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm, 5–16 June 1972 (A/CONF.48/14/Rev.1), part one, chap. I.

[2] Report of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 3–14 June 1992, vol. I, Resolutions Adopted by the Conference (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.93.I.8 and corrigendum), resolution 1, annex II.

[3] Report of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 3–14 June 1992, vol. I, Resolutions Adopted by the Conference (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.93.I.8 and corrigendum), resolution 1, annex I.

[4] Report of the Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing, 4–15 September 1995 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.96.IV.13), chap. I, resolution 1, annexes I and II.

[5] Available at https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/bahia-declaration-on-chemical-s….

[6] General Assembly resolution 55/2.

[7] Report of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, South Africa, 26 August–4 September 2002 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.03.II.A.1 and corrigendum), chap. I, resolution 2, annex.

[8] Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management: Texts and Resolutions of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (United Nations Environment Programme, 2006). Available at https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/SAICM_publicati….

[9] Available at https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/43604/924157237X_eng.pdf?se….

[10] General Assembly resolution 61/295, annex.

[11] Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: Implementing the United Nations “Protect, Respect and Remedy” Framework (New York and Geneva, 2011).

[12] Outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 20 to 22 June 2012. General Assembly resolution 66/288, annex.

[13] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and World Health Organization, The International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management (2014).

[14] General Assembly resolution 69/313, annex.

[15] International Labour Organization, Guidelines for a Just Transition towards Environmentally Sustainable Economies and Societies for All (2015).

[16] General Assembly resolution 70/1.

[17] Available at https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Se….

[18] World Health Organization, Chemicals Road Map (2017).

[19] United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1249, no. 20378.

[20] United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1522, no. 26369.

[21] United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1673, no. 28911.

[22] United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 2244, no. 39973.

[23] United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 2256, no. 40214.

[24] World Health Organization, document WHA58/2005/REC/1, resolution 58.3, annex.

[25] United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 3202, no. 54669.