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September 02, 2022  Bucharest

 While considerable progress had been made during the Fourth Meeting of the Intersessional Process considering the Strategic Approach and sound management of chemicals and waste beyond 2020 (IP4), delegates agreed that further consultations were needed to agree on a future instrument that would manage chemicals and waste safely. The meeting was therefore adjourned until early 2023.

Held in Bucharest, Romania from August 29 to September 2 2022, the international conference brought together Member States, industry respresentatives, academia, NGOs and youth groups.

“This week was a challenge, both in terms of organizing such a meeting of international importance, and also in terms of the topics discussed. Proper chemical management is a permanent concern for a healthy future for the next generations, but also a way of respecting what nature offers us” said Romania’s Minister of Environment, Waters and Forests, Mr. Barna Tánczos.

During the five day meeting, discussions focused on the vision, scope and objectives for the post-2020 future instrument,  targets, national implementation plans, as well as the involvement of the private sector in financing the management of chemicals and waste.

“Chemicals are everywhere in everyday life, from packaging, clothing, cosmetics but their use must not endanger human health or the environment. That’s why this meeting in Bucharest, which is in preparation for the International Conference on Chemicals Manangement (ICCM5) was essential for the elaboration of the following arrangements for a strategic approach and good management of chemicals and waste. The expected outcome of the meeting -  a consolidated document containing the vision of all participating States -  has been achieved. We can proudly say that at the Bucharest meeting, the cornerstone for a future multilateral environmental agreement in the field of chemical and waste management was laid,” added Mr. Tánczos.

Also, among the topics discussed was the relationship between the future instrument and the science policy panel for chemicals and waste mandated by the fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA5). A proposal for a globally coordinated tax on chemical materials to fund a new international fund on chemicals and waste was also discussed.

“Over the week in Bucharest, we’ve seen considerable progress in creating a global movement to achieve a planet safe from chemicals and waste pollution, where our health is not at risk, and where economies and industry can flourish.  This is the time when all sectors of the economy can play an active part, co-creating together. An exciting journey lies ahead," said Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of UNEP’s Economy Division.