The IOMC continues to work together across all 10 POs and with interested stakeholders to develop proposals for GFC implementation programmes (“IPs”) for further consideration at the next session of the Conference, as well as undertaking related activities during the inter-sessional period, in line with ICCM-5 resolution V/8. A number of documents were submitted to the June 2025 meeting of the GFC OEWG in Punta del Este, including INF.11 which presented the current status of the proposals for advancing three GFC Implementation Programmes and invited OEWG participants to provide feedback.
With regards to the programme on Strengthening National Chemicals Legislation and Institutional Capacities (“IP1”), the IOMC convened a dedicated multi-stakeholder workshop on 22-23 June 2025 just prior to the OEWG meeting comprised of an expert meeting held on Sunday, 22 June, followed by a larger, open workshop on the morning of Monday, 23 June. The first day brought together approximately 100 invited experts, reflecting regional and stakeholder balance, for in-depth discussions on existing legislation and institutional mechanisms. The second day, held at the OEWG conference venue, expanded the dialogue to a larger audience. This session – held in four parallel working groups - was designed to help shape the mandate, terms of reference, and workplan for IP1, which was then discussed further during the OEWG meeting itself. The workshop outcomes served as critical inputs to guide the OEWG deliberations, ensuring that the voices and perspectives of a diverse set of stakeholders will be reflected in the emerging framework. More detail about the workshop, including the background documents and presentations, are available on the workshop website.
For the programme on Strengthening economic and industry sector engagement and action (“IP2”), and building on the workshop held in Paris in February 2025, a “Multi-Stakeholder Day” was held during the OEWG on 26 June bringing together actors from across sectors and regions to further shape the design of the Programme. The objectives of the Multi-Stakeholder Day were to showcase stakeholder initiatives, develop a shared understanding of the Programme’s added value, and explore ideas to co-create draft terms of reference (ToR) and workplan activities. Sessions focused on six cross-cutting thematic areas and three sector-specific programmes (textiles, electronics, and healthcare), with one other session on construction, considered as a potential fourth sector. The integration of occupational health and safety across all sectors and themes was also a key topic. For coverage done by the Earth Negotiations Bulletin, click here. In follow-up, activities such as reviewing draft ToRs are moving forward and discussions will continue on how to streamline cross-cutting thematic areas.
And as regards the programme on Integrating chemical and waste issues in sustainable development decision-making (“IP3”), initial global activities to accompany the Programme development process will include the drafting of “primers” on the interface of chemicals with specific sustainable development decision-making topics, such as education and climate change. As a next step, the IOMC will consult with stakeholders to consider how to further the work on the two proposed IP3 topics, or any other sustainable development topic of interest. In case of interest, an informal group could be established to review pilot primers and explore opportunities for further thematic work. This work could inform a discussion document in advance of the International Conference in 2026: “Developing a GFC Implementation Programme on Integrating Chemicals and Waste Management Issues in Sustainable Development Processes”. If of value, a multi-stakeholder workshop on this topic could also be considered (subject to securing the required resources).
The IOMC will continue to consult closely with stakeholders and the GFC Secretariat in the coming months regarding the further development of all three IPs and to advance our shared journey to develop the proposals for these initial programmes prior to the first Conference later in 2026.