The ad hoc open-ended working group on a science-policy panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution (OEWG) has met for three sessions since UNEA resolution 5/8 was adopted in 2022.
OEWG 1.1: The group first met on 6 October 2022 for the first part of the first session in Nairobi. At this inaugural session, the group considered procedural matters, including the establishment of its Bureau. The OEWG adopted, mutatis mutandis, the UNEA rules of procedure for the conduct of its work.
OEWG 1.2: The first session resumed from 30 January-3 February 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. At this session, the group elected its Chair, Ms. Gudi Alkemade from the Netherlands, and agreed to establish dedicated contact groups to address (a) the organization of work of the OEWG; and (b) the scope and principal functions of the science-policy panel. The group also agreed on an intersessional work plan between the first and second session of the group.
OEWG 2: The group's second session took place from 11-15 December 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya, preceded by informal, regional and stakeholder consultations from 9-10 December 2023. Delegates agreed to the use of the “skeleton outline” proposed by the secretariat, laying out in a single view each of the proposals for the establishment of the panel. At OEWG 2, the group also agreed to consider UNEP/SPP-CWP/OEWG.2/INF/10/Rev.1, INF/10/Add.1 and INF/10/Add.2 as the basis of its discussions, and decided to establish four contact groups to address: (a) scope, functions, operating principles and conflict of interest policy; (b) institutional arrangements; (c) work-related processes and procedures of the panel; and (d) intersessional work and budget, in advance of the third session.
OEWG 3.1: The group met most recently for the first part of the third session, that took place from 17-21 June 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland, preceded by informal, regional and stakeholder consultations on 16 June 2024. At this session, the group established dedicated contact groups on (a) a foundational document; (b) work programme-related matters; and (c) rules of procedure, financial procedures, and conflict-of-interest policy.
Outcomes will be taken forward to the resumed third session of the working group (OEWG 3.2), with a view to finalise:
- the Foundational Document and its related decision to establish the panel (UNEP/SPP-CWP/OEWG.3/6); and
- the draft Rules of Procedure and its related decision to transmit these together with other draft procedures, policies and guidance to the first session of the Governing Body of the science-policy panel itself (UNEP/SPP-CWP/OEWG.3/7).
Delegates at OEWG 3.2 will also consider arrangements for the interim period between the Intergovernmental Meeting and the first session of the Governing Body of the Panel.
OEWG 3.2 will take place from 15 to 18 June 2025 in Punta del Este, Uruguay, at the Convention and Exhibition Center at the Punta del Este Convention & Exhibition Center, preceded by Regional Meetings on 14 June 2025.
It will be held back to back with the Intergovernmental Meeting convened by the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme for the purpose of considering the establishment of the science-policy panel.
Please kindly refer to the OEWG 3.2 Scenario Note for further details; it will be uploaded here when available.
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The UN Environment Programme recognises the importance of engaging Major Groups and Stakeholders in this process.
Organizations accredited to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions, Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC), International Labour Organization (ILO), Minamata Convention on Mercury, Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, and World Health Organization (WHO) are welcome to participate in the OEWG process.
Other stakeholders and interested parties are invited to learn about the accreditation process to be granted observer status to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and its subsidiary bodies, as well as participation and engagement modalities for Major Groups by reviewing two dedicated information sessions organized by the OEWG secretariat:
- An information session on participation and engagement modalities as well as the accreditation process to be granted observer status to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and its subsidiary bodies. This session aimed to deepen and enhance the understanding of those engaging in the OEWG process of their privileges, rights and responsibilities, and how to best participate and contribute to the work of OEWG and future science-policy panel.
- An information session for the science community, including scientists, scientific institutions, networks and journals from all disciplines, on how to engage with the future panel, targeting those that are not yet familiar with international science-policy work. It presented the state of OEWG negotiations as of September 2024, and elaborated on the different ways that scientists across the world can partake in the work of the future panel.
Additional information on stakeholder preparations for OEWG 3.1 are available here.
