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Agenda 2030

Spotlight on chemicals and pollution action

Preventing, controlling and managing pollution is central to improving health, human well-being and prosperity for all.

UNEP drives capacity and leadership in sound management of chemicals and waste while working to improve ways to reduce waste through circularity and pollutants released to the air, water, soil and the ocean.

This feed will keep you up to date on the latest news from the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5), which is currently meeting in Busan, Republic of Korea, to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.

19 Nov 2024 09:20

Stopping Antimicrobial Resistance is a shared responsibility

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial agents. World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global campaign to raise awareness and understanding of AMR and promote best practices among One Health stakeholders to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. WAAW is celebrated from 18-24 November every year.

Last updated at 19 November 2024, 9.20am EAT

18 Nov 2024 12:35

Jeddah conference closes with adoption of global pledges to tackle antimicrobial resistance

Wide view of Second Plenary Assembly of the AMR Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. — Image: FAO/Yerkem Sembayeva

The 4th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) wrapped up on Saturday with the adoption of the Jeddah Commitments, which lay out practical, actionable and cross-sectoral steps stakeholders can take to address this complex health issue.

Welcoming the adoption of the Jeddah Commitments, Jacqueline Alvarez, head of UNEP’s Chemicals and Health Branch, said the outcome document is an example of successful multilateralism and “the benefits of working jointly among the different sectors”.

She added: “The Jeddah Commitments bring everybody that has a role to play together for action.”

More on this.

Last updated at 18 November 2024, 12.57pm EAT

18 Nov 2024 11:17

Final talks on plastic pollution to start next week

A large amount of plastic bottle caps in a cage — Image: Unsplash/Killari Hotaru

On 25 November, the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-5) will start in Busan, Republic of Korea.

The hope is that an agreement will be reached that is based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal. With plastics causing 3.4 per cent of global emissions in 2019, it is vital that progress is made in Busan.

Last updated at 18 November 2024, 11.30am EAT

14 Nov 2024 08:06

4th Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance

The 4th Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) will be hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 15-16 November in Jeddah, including a day of side-events on 14 November for state and non-state actors.

Under the theme “From Declaration to Implementation – Accelerating Actions Through Multisectoral Partnerships for the Containment of AMR” the conference will provide a platform for exchange of best practices and pave the road to implementation across the entire ecosystems, including human- and animal health, agriculture as well as the environment.

Watch the live stream.

Last updated at 14 November 2024, 8.06am EAT

11 Nov 2024 13:09

GPML Multi-Stakeholder Event

Image of plastics with text on top — Image: GPML

Please join us at the next Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter (GPML) Multi-Stakeholder Event, which will be held in hybrid modality on 2 December 2024 at Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO).

The event will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the INC process and explore how the Partnership could best continue to support efforts to reduce and prevent plastic pollution and marine litter, from local to global in all relevant sectors.

Please register online for the event to share your thoughts on the future of the GPML.

Last updated at 11 November 2024, 1.09pm EAT

05 Nov 2024 10:56

Workshop on Environmental and Social Aspects of Critical Energy Transition Minerals and the African Mining Vision

Photography of excavators at a mining area — Photo: Unsplash/Dominik Vanyi

The Workshop on Environmental and Social Aspects of Critical Energy Transition Minerals and the African Mining Vision will happen in Nairobi Kenya from 7-8 November in a hybrid format.

Organized by UNEP and partners, the joint regional stakeholder consultation workshop will focus on the review of the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) and the African Minerals Governance Framework Action (AMGF) action plans that focus on environmental and social issues.

More on this event.

Last updated at 05 November 2024, 10.56am EAT

01 Nov 2024 10:25

4th edition of the Annual Global Media Forum in lead up to WAAW

The Global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Media Alliance (GAMA) will host the fourth edition of the Annual Global Media Forum in the lead up to World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW).

Participants would get to know the basics of AMR, promises made by world leaders, WAAW plans of the quadripartite, importance of One Health approach to address AMR at all levels, among other pertinent issues – ahead of the global annual observance of WAAW on the theme: “Educate. Advocate. Act Now.”

This year’s Global Media Forum will also shine a spotlight on the winners of the Global AMR Media Awards 2024.

Register online.

More information.

Last updated at 01 November 2024, 10.42am EAT

28 Oct 2024 20:08

Global Framework on Chemicals Fund: Webinar series on the first round of applications

Colourful patterns

The Global Framework on Chemicals Fund launched its first call for applications on 1 October 2024.

On 29-30 October, webinars will be held to support applicants in understanding the scope of the Fund as well as developing an application.

The webinars will be available in English, French, and Spanish.

Registration and more information.

Last updated at 28 October 2024, 8.08pm EAT

02 Oct 2024 11:25

Road to Busan | Plastics Treaty Talks: Updates and the View to the Finish Line

Plastic tap installation

When: 4 October 2024 | 1600-1730 hrs CEST

Where: Online. Register.

This event, co-organized by the International Institute for Sustainable Development Earth Negotiations Bulletin and the Geneva Environment Network within the framework of the Geneva Beat Plastic Pollution Dialogues will provide an overview on the upcoming fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-5), scheduled to take place from 25 November to 1 December 2024 in Busan, Republic of Korea.

This event will explore what to expect on the remaining road to INC-5 and in Busan especially:

Updates from intersessional work
Key priorities for the treaty text and key elements on which negotiations need to focus most on achieving convergence? What are the key challenges to convergence and how to address them?
Options and appetite for addressing upstream parts of the plastic lifecycle
State of play on finance for implementation

More information on the event.

Last updated at 02 October 2024, 11.25am EAT

30 Sep 2024 09:47

Stakeholders chart a path to cleaner air in Central Asia

Photo of smoke plumes over a city — Photo: UNEP Europe

A raft of stakeholders have put forward recommendations to improve air quality at the 3rd Air Quality Central Asia (AQCA) conference, the biggest ever event of its kind in the region.

Participants agreed that countries of the region should focus on technical solutions, legislation, institutional strengthening, cross-border cooperation and public engagement to shift to clean air.

Dozens of UN experts, hydrometeorological and government officials, city representatives, and donors gathered in this event convened by UNEP and its civil society partners.

Learn more about the outcomes.

Last updated at 30 September 2024, 9.47am EAT