Interventions: GFC OEWG-1

Intervention on the GFC Fund, presented by Gilbert Kuepouo, Executive Director, CREPD, Cameroon and IPEN Steering Committee Member

I am making this intervention on behalf of CREPD Cameroon, and IPEN , a network of nearly 700 public interest organizations in more than 130 countries.

IPEN is concerned that the vastly inadequate funding available for the sound management of chemicals and waste agenda globally is a significant obstacle to a successful GFC implementation.

One of the reasons why SAICM did not meet its 2020 goal was the lack of funding. Two years after the adoption of the GFC and the establishment of the GFC Fund, the contributions to the Fund remain far below what is needed to implement the high ambition placed on the new framework.  

We are facing a  global crisis of chemicals and waste, with high associated public health cost, especially in Low- and Middle Income Countries.

At the same time, the total value of the global chemicals industry in 203 was estimated to be €5.2 trillion and expected to grow significantly until 2030.

In order to ensure that the implementation of the GFC strategic objectives and targets is duly funded, it is urgent to:

• Ensure adequate, predictable, and sustainable funding for building institutional and technical capacities through application of the "Polluter Pays" Principle, to generate funding from the chemical industry and companies using hazardous chemicals, for example, through fiscal and cost recovery frameworks.
• Ensure finalization of the Cost of Inaction report to serve as the foundation for financial considerations and actions at the first international conference.
• Facilitate monitoring and evaluation of financial flows by establishing mechanisms to track investments and expenditures related to chemical management, ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.

There are a number of priority actions to be taken in regards to the GFC Fund, based on the lesson learned from the independent evaluation of SAICM that recognized the SAICM Quick Start Program as a successful outcome, and the high impact of civil society projects, and the potential of the civil society as an effective bridge to facilitate effective multisectoral and multistakeholder action. There is a need: 

• For increased contributions to the GFC Fund, including from the private sector, in line with the polluter pays principle.
• To include civil society representation in the GFC Fund Executive Board to mirror the multistakeholder and multisectoral nature of the GFC, to ensure trust, transparency and equitable access to funds.
• To have more collaboration between the GEF and the GHC Secretariat to plan for the efficient use of GEF funding for the implementation of dedicated GFC activities.

Thank you for considering our views.

Intervention on a Gender Action Plan, presented by Poyeon Kim, Wonjin Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health, Republic of Korea

Thank you Chair, 

I am Poyeon Kim from Wonjin Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health, Republic of Korea, and I speak on behalf of IPEN. 

Gender-inclusive language has been a pivotal element in the United Nations’ initiatives for many years now and is a profound commitment to equity and representation. We therefore welcome gender-specific language and action in the international chemicals and waste management sector. We take note of the progress made so far in the development of the Gender Action Plan and thank all involved Stakeholders. We also strongly encourage the adoption of the Gender Action Plan as part of the GFC’s first phase of implementation, with a clear roadmap, accountability mechanisms, and broad stakeholder involvement and request all stakeholders to continue the implementation of Resolution V/4 as proposed.

By integrating gender perspectives, researchers can cultivate a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the phenomena they investigate. This enriched perspective not only yields more accurate and reliable outcomes but also opens the door to exploring how deeply ingrained gender roles and societal norms shape individual behaviours, particularly in areas such as health-seeking practices, protection and exposure to chemicals and access to healthcare services.

Robust, gender-disaggregated data and targeted research are essential to identify exposure pathways and health impacts. Adequate and sustained financing for gender-responsive initiatives, including support for women-led and grassroots organizations, is also critical.

For the plan to be effective, it must ensure inclusive and meaningful participation, particularly of women, Indigenous Peoples, workers, and youth. This includes open and transparent consultations, active civil society engagement, and gender-balanced representation across all GFC bodies and processes. The integration of a wide range of voices in research and decision-making processes not only enhances legitimacy but also instills a sense of ownership among stakeholders and increases the overall effectiveness of program implementation.

Thank you

Intervention on the Global Alliance on HHPs, presented by Mari Carcamo, RAPAL Uruguay and IPEN Steering Committee member

Thank you, Co-chair. 

I speak on behalf of RAPAL Uruguay  and IPEN. 

We thank the FAO and the other UN Agencies  for their efforts in establishing the Global Alliance on Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). The Alliance is a critical mechanism for accelerating global phase-out of HHPs and supporting the transition to safer alternatives to protect human health and the environment.

We would like to stress the importance of this OEWG agreeing on a clear, accelerated work plan to officially launch the Alliance by late 2025 or early 2026 as its timely establishment is essential to delivering meaningful outcomes. In this regard, we urge all organizations and stakeholders involved to fast-track the finalization of essential elements to launch the Alliance. 

We welcome the revised proposed operational framework of the Alliance, and wish to reiterate that the governance structure of the Alliance must reflect the multisectoral and multistakeholder approach of the GFC. It should ensure robust and meaningful participation from Civil Society Organizations, while remaining simple and efficient in its operation and use of resources. 

Finally, we would like to underscore the urgent need for adequate and sustainable funding to the Alliance to support implementation. We call on all stakeholders to contribute financially to support the work of the Alliance.

Intervention on Issues of Concern

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair for giving me the floor. 

My name is Tom, I am with the German NGO Forum on Environment and Development and I am speaking on behalf of IPEN. 

More than 100 governments, together with other stakeholders, have identified Emerging Policy Issues and other Issues of concern as problems that urgently need to be addressed at national and global levels in a concerted and coordinated manner. Similar to SAICM, addressing Issues of Concern (IoCs) under the GFC is a critical component in preventing harm from chemicals and waste. We strongly call for all the IoCs to be retained and that mechanisms of implementation, allocation of resources and development of ambitious work plans be identified within the GFC.

To date,  none of the IoC have been sufficiently addressed and none of them have been resolved. Even lead in paint, which is viewed as the most successful issue of concern, needs additional and continued targeted action to eliminate it globally. Also, for some IoCs in the IOMC document, mechanisms of taking action have been identified, but it must be made clear that is not the same as being fully addressed. Further action is needed for all IoCs, and repealing even some of them is not an option. 

Therefore,  we call for a strong commitment from all stakeholders to the existing IoCs and further efforts are needed to ensure meaningful multisectoral and multistakeholder engagement in addressing the IoCs. Relevant aspects of the IoCs should be integrated into implementation programs under the GFC in addition to specific action on each of the IoCs.

Finally, in regards to the CRP we have strong concerns about the proposed approach. While we agree all sources of lead exposure need to be eliminated, different sources require different, specific actions focused on prevention to be effective. Also, we are concerned that the proposed approach will lead to a serious and costly delay in acting on the many already known sources. We have several more points of concern that we will share in a contact group, if one is established.   

Intervention on Measurability and Indicators of the Global Framework on Chemicals, presented by Eugeniy Lobanov, Center for Environmental Solutions, Lithuania and IPEN Steering Committee member

Thank you, Mister Co-Chair. 

I am speaking on behalf of IPEN, and Center for Environmental Solutions (Lithuania).

First, we would like to commend the co-facilitators and participants of the ad hoc open-ended working group for the progress made in developing the measurability structure for the Global Framework on Chemicals.

As the process advances toward finalizing the framework for adoption at the International conference, we want to underscore several key points.

The proposed set of indicators must be thoroughly reviewed and refined to ensure it effectively measures progress toward the GFC’s objectives — not only in outcomes but also in inputs, including the resources allocated to achieve them. Financial and technical investments are essential levers of implementation, and indicators must capture their scale and impact. We want to stress that the resources currently available for GFC implementation fall far short of what is needed. This makes it all the more critical that the measurability structure includes indicators that track progress in resource mobilization — both in terms of scale and effectiveness. Without such indicators, it will be very difficult to assess whether the ambition of the Framework is being matched by the necessary support.

Equally critical is that the measurability framework supports publicly accessible, transparent data systems. Standardized tools and methodologies for data collection are needed to ensure consistency across regions and sectors. But more than that, data must be shared openly, in formats that are accessible and usable by the interested public, academia, and impacted communities. For example, public reporting of chemical footprints, using a precautionary and hazard-based approach, is an effective way to demonstrate that companies are actively identifying and removing chemical risks.

The framework must also enable participatory monitoring, including through community-based and civil society-led initiatives, such as citizens-science. This means building local capacity, especially in low- and middle-income countries — including training, technical support, and access to tools for biomonitoring and data analysis.

Measurability should drive not only continuous improvement, but also accountability. It must be linked to mechanisms that respond meaningfully when progress is lacking.

Finally, we urge the integration of gender-disaggregated data to better understand how chemical exposures and health outcomes differ across populations — enabling more targeted and gender-responsive chemical management policies. We also emphasize the need to strengthen laboratory networks through investment in infrastructure, training, and quality systems, to ensure accurate and science-based data that underpin effective monitoring and decision-making.

We would also welcome the opportunity to continue discussions on measurability during this OEWG, including through participation in any informal group that may be established.

 Thank you, Mister Co-Chair.

Intervention on International Coordination and Cooperation, presented by Sonia Buftheim, Nexus3, Indonesia

I am Sonia Buffheim, I am speaking on behalf of the Nexus3 Foundation, Indonesia and IPEN.

We welcome the recognition that international coordination and cooperation are central to achieving the objectives of the Global Framework on Chemicals. We urge this OEWG to move beyond broad commitments and identify concrete mechanisms that will ensure effective cooperation across all relevant sectors and international agreements.

The GFC must work in synergy with other multilateral environmental agreements, such as the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, the Minamata Convention, and the Montreal Protocol,. At the national level, coordination must include not only environment ministries, but also health, labour, agriculture, trade, finance, and women’s affairs. A whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach is needed, with full and meaningful participation of civil society, Indigenous Peoples, workers, youth, and communities most affected by pollution and toxic exposures

We also call for stronger cooperation with UN bodies, such as WHO, ILO, FAO, UNITAR, OHCHR, UNDP, and UN Women to ensure that chemicals and waste are addressed as cross-cutting issues that impact health, livelihoods, decent work, and human rights. These are not just technical matters; they have real consequences for people’s lives, safety, and environmental justice.

International coordination must prioritise the inclusion of voices from the Global South. This means transparent access to technical support, predictable and sustained funding, and meaningful support for South–South cooperation, so that capacity is built where it is most needed and solutions are driven by those directly affected.

Finally, we recommend the development of a joint coordination platform, grounded in inclusive governance, that can help align efforts across sectors and agreements, track progress, and ensure that international cooperation leads to real outcomes, not just proposes.

Intervention on National Focal Points and National Implementation Plans under the Global Framework on Chemicals, presented by Chinkie Pelino-Golle, EcoWaste Coalition, Philippines and IPEN Southeast and East Asia Regional Coordinator

Thank you, Madam Chair.

My name is Chinkie Peliño-Golle, I am speaking on behalf of the EcoWaste Coalition in the Philippines and IPEN.

To truly realize the ambition of the Global Framework on Chemicals, national-level commitment is essential. This includes the development and delivery of effective National Implementation Plans.

We respectfully call on Member States to recognize the critical role of National Focal Points, not only as technical coordinators, but also as key facilitators of inclusive, multisectoral, and multistakeholder engagement. This includes meaningful participation by civil society, Indigenous Peoples, and communities most affected by chemical exposure at all stages of plan development and implementation.

For National Focal Points to fulfill this role, they must be adequately supported. Sufficient resources will enable them to coordinate across sectors, ensure transparency, and guide implementation aligned with national priorities.

It is equally important that National Implementation Plans are aligned with existing development, health, and environmental strategies, and include mechanisms for meaningful civil society engagement, monitoring, and learning, fostering knowledge exchange and good practices.

We also emphasize the need to integrate gender considerations at every stage of implementation, recognizing the differentiated impacts of chemicals and the importance of equitable participation and benefits.

Ultimately, this is a shared opportunity and responsibility—to strengthen national systems, protect the environment and communities, and collectively realize the vision of the Global Framework in Chemicals.

Intervention on Capacity Building, presented by Vidhi Mathur, Toxics Link, India

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair.

I am Vidhi Mathur from Toxics Link India and I speak on behalf of IPEN.

Capacity building is important  for successful implementation of  the Global Framework on Chemicals. However, for capacity-building efforts to truly support transformation on the ground, they must be inclusive, sustained, and oriented toward strengthening rights-based, accountable systems.

First, we stress that capacity building must prioritize building institutional and technical capacities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This includes enabling countries to assess, regulate, and manage chemicals throughout their lifecycle, with particular attention to risk prevention, transparency, and public health protection.

Second, resources must match ambition. The strategy must ensure predictable, adequate, and sustained funding to support not only government efforts but also grassroots, civil society, and women-led initiatives. Industry must contribute meaningfully through cost recovery mechanisms in line with the polluter pays principle.

Third, we urge that all capacity-building activities be inclusive by design. This means gender-responsive planning, full participation of Indigenous Peoples, workers, youth, and affected communities, and meaningful engagement of civil society in both decision-making and implementation processes. Equity, trust, and justice must be built into every step.

Fourth, we call for coherence and coordination across efforts with knowledge-sharing mechanisms that are open, multilingual, and easy-to-access. Technical guidance must be supported by opportunities for horizontal exchange, peer learning, and twinning arrangements between countries and stakeholders.

Finally, we highlight the need for monitoring and accountability. Capacity-building programs must be tied to measurable outcomes and include participatory review processes that track real-world impact, not just activities delivered.

Closing Statement, presented by Gohar Khojayan, Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environments and IPEN Steering Committee member

Thank you, Co-Chair.

I speak on behalf of Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment and IPEN.

The Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) provides a vital policy framework aimed at preventing or minimizing harm from chemicals and waste to protect human health and the environment. The situation on the ground requires strong political will and sustained commitment from all stakeholders for its implementation.

Since its adoption, work has primarily focused on finalizing structural elements of the framework. However, what remains missing is a concrete plan with specific, targeted action items to accelerate implementation in the period leading up to the first International Conference.

Effective implementation of the GFC requires adequate, sustained, and sufficient financial resources. Significantly more resources are needed to support GFC implementation. Building on the existing GFC Fund, it is crucial that financial resources are equitably accessible to all stakeholders, with particular emphasis on low- and middle-income countries. The Fund should operationalize the "polluter pays" principle by securing financial contributions from industry actors whose activities contribute to chemical pollution.

The GFC’s multistakeholder and multisectoral approach is a critical strength that needs to be fully realized in practice. Concrete efforts are needed to ensure consistent, meaningful representation across all sectors and stakeholder groups—especially civil society—throughout implementation, decision-making, and governance. 

IPEN underlines the importance of the Gender Action Plan, which aims to integrate gender considerations into all aspects of chemical management.

IPEN welcomes the overwhelming support for the retention of all current issues of concern. To ensure meaningful progress, a dedicated implementation strategy, including work plans with timelines, financial resources, and a lead country or organization must be developed for each IoC.

IPEN hopes that the measurability framework will be finalized for adoption at IC-1. The framework must support transparent, publicly accessible data and enable participatory monitoring, including through community-based and civil society-led mechanisms. This makes it all the more critical that the measurability structure includes indicators that track progress in resource mobilization—both in terms of scale and effectiveness. 

IPEN welcomes the work going into the establishment of a Global Alliance on HHPs (GAHHPs) which offers a platform to coordinate international efforts, share best practices, and promote non-chemical  approaches such as agroecology.

Finally, IPEN supports enhanced international cooperation to ensure that the GFC contributes meaningfully to broader global goals, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Thank you.