UNDP is the UN's global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to the knowledge, experience and resources needed to help people build a better life

UNDP is active in 170 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and its wide range of partners.

The sound management of chemicals and wastes is an important component of UNDP’s efforts to achieve sustainable, inclusive and resilient human development and the SDGs. UNDP advocates for integrating chemicals-related priorities into national environmental and poverty reduction planning frameworks, helps countries access financial and technical resources, and provides assistance and implementation support to improve the holistic management of chemicals and waste. We tackle unsustainable consumption and production patterns, including poor design and material choices, which lead to resource depletion, waste generation and pollution.

UNDP’s expertise covers management of chemicals, including Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), Mercury, Lead, and other heavy metals. UNDP helps countries strengthen their waste management systems, including waste prevention, reuse/recycling, treatment and disposal. Safe and effective treatment of hazardous medical waste (e.g. from the Ebola crisis in West Africa) through innovative technologies is also underway.

UNDP supports international cooperation and coordination towards improved chemicals management through participation in the IOMC and through support provided to the development and implementation of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). In particular, UNDP helps countries strengthen their capacity to address challenges at global, national and community levels, seeking out and sharing best practices, providing innovative policy advice and linking partners through pilot projects that help poor people build sustainable livelihoods. UNDP supports sound chemical management programmes in five principal areas:

• Support the mainstreaming of Sound Management of Chemicals into MDG-based national development planning processes and frameworks;
• Phasing out Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) in support of the objectives of the Montreal Protocol;
• Reducing and eliminating releases of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in support of the objectives of the Stockholm Convention;
• Reducing releases of Mercury into the environment and minimizing human exposure in support of the objectives of the Minamata Convention; and,
• Reducing and preventing chemical pollution of lakes, rivers, groundwater, coasts and oceans.

Contact information

Ms Xiaofang Zhou
Director
Montreal Protocol / Chemicals Unit
Bureau for Policy and Programme Support
United Nations Development Programme
304 East 45th Street, FF 970
New York, NY 10017
USA

Tel: +1 (212) 906-5782
Fax: + 1 (212) 906-6403

• UNDP website