Support for GFC Implementation Programmes
Overview
IOMC and its member organizations accepted the invitation in ICCM5 Resolution V/8 to develop “Implementation Programmes” (IPs) for consideration by the first International Conference in 2026, to be done in close collaboration with stakeholders. The areas of work for possible implementation programmes are:
(a) Developing integrated national chemicals and waste management systems and capacities at the national and regional levels
(b) Integrating sound chemicals and waste management in economic and industrial sectors along value chains
(c) Integrating sound chemicals and waste management in sustainable development decision-making processes, as appropriate
(d) Addressing issues of concern, as appropriate.
In addition, ICCM5 welcomed and encouraged “the undertaking of further activities concerning all areas of work during the intersessional period until the next session of the Conference”.
The draft Implementation Programme on “Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Institutional Capacities for Chemicals Management” (IP1) aims to support countries in establishing and enhancing the legal and institutional foundations necessary for the sound management of chemicals throughout their life cycle. Anchored in Strategic Objective A of the GFC, the Programme will promote efforts to develop, implement, and enforce national legal instruments that minimize adverse effects from chemicals and waste, in line with national circumstances and priorities.
Draft terms of reference and workplan ideas can be found in the IOMC INF.11 document for the GFC OEWG held in June 2025.
A multi-stakeholder workshop to consider the draft mandate, TORs, and workplan was held on 22-23 (morning) June 2025, immediately preceding the GFC OEWG. Workshop documentation, presentations, and outcomes can be found here.
The draft Implementation Programme “Strengthening Economic and Industry Sector Engagement and Action for the Sound Management of Chemicals along Value Chains” (IP2) aims to promote the development and uptake of innovative, safer, and more sustainable solutions across product life cycles and industry sectors. Anchored in Strategic Objective D of the GFC, the Programme seeks to maximize benefits to human health and the environment by supporting a transition towards safer alternatives, accelerating the shift to sustainable production and consumption patterns and fostering more resilient, transparent, and accountable supply chains.
Initiation of consultations on thematic workstreams
Informal multistakeholder working groups were formed during 2025 to identify activities to advance the following thematic workstreams:
- Identifying priority chemicals of concern
- Chemical footprint approaches
- Transparency and traceability along value chains
- Disclosure and reporting standards/frameworks
- Green and sustainable chemistry innovation and solutions
- Private sector financing and investment.
The working groups shared their initial results during OEWG (see below) and are open to engage other interested stakeholders in the future.
Initiation of consultations on specific industry sector programmes
During 2025, informal multistakeholder working groups were formed to develop draft TORs and workplans for possible specific Industry Sector Programmes, including for the:
- Electronic industry sector
- Textile industry sector
- Healthcare industry sector
Occupational safety and health (OSH) is considered another cross-cutting and foundational theme relevant to all sectors.
The working groups shared their results during OEWG (see below) and are open to engage other interested stakeholders in the future. Other industry sectors mentioned at the workshop include Food and Agriculture, Building and Construction, the Retail Sector, Investment, and Mining.
Draft terms of reference and workplan ideas can be found in the IOMC INF.11 document for the GFC OEWG held in June 2025.
A multi-stakeholder workshop to consider the draft mandate, TORs, and workplan was held on 24-26 February 2025 in Paris. Workshop documentation, presentations, and outcomes can be found here.
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. 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. Further details about the day can be found here; for coverage provided by the Earth Negotiations Bulletin, click here. A detailed report on outcomes can be found here.
The draft Implementation Programme on “Integrating Chemicals and Waste Issues in Sustainable Development Decision-making” (IP3) aims to create stronger linkages with relevant sustainable development agendas at national, regional, and global levels. By aligning with cross-cutting priorities such as climate action, education, decent work, and health, the Programme seeks to promote policy coherence, maximize co-benefits, and support the achievement of sustainable development.
Further information related to the development of IP3 can be found in the IOMC INF.11 document for the GFC OEWG held in June 2025.
Other supporting activities for developing the GFC Implementation Programmes
To date, IOMC has supported or is planning to support the following activities, in cooperation with and consultation of GFC stakeholders:
Webinar series in support of GFC implementation
A series of webinars, starting in 2024, is being conducted by the IOMC as a contribution to the implementation of the GFC. The webinars are open to all interested stakeholders participating in the GFC, as well as other stakeholders active or interested in the chemicals and waste management area.
Four webinars have been held to date:
20 March 2025: Strengthening National Chemicals Legislation and Institutional Capacities
10 December 2024: Strengthening Economic and Industry Sector Engagement and Action Along Value Chains
3 July 2024: Global Stakeholder Dialogue on GFC Implementation Programmes
30 September 2024: Developing GFC Implementation Programmes
For details, please consult the dedicated webinars website.
Further webinars are planned in the coming months. Please check here or the webinars website for further information.
Global survey
A global survey, undertaken in collaboration with the GFC Secretariat, to support development of a GFC implementation programme on industry engagement and action along value chains. A short summary note of quantitative results of the survey received by the deadline of 15 October 2024 can be found here.
- There have been 225 responses to date, including from 101 companies, 39 associations and 85 other stakeholders, and there is interest of many stakeholders to engage in the development of a GFC Implementation Programme on industry engagement.
- As one of the objective of the survey is to raise awareness of and engage stakeholders in GFC implementation, the IOMC has decided to keep the survey link open. Stakeholders are encouraged to kindly pass on the following link to any company, associations, or other interested stakeholders who may be interested. This will help to broaden further the GFC network and knowledge exchange in matters of industry engagement along value chains.
Draft discussion document on “Developing GFC Implementation Programmes’’
In August 2024, the IOMC circulated a working draft document to inform stakeholder consultations for the “Development of Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) implementation programmes to advance integrated chemicals and waste management: National systems, industry engagement, and sustainable development linkages”.
Planned and upcoming activities
IOMC is planning to support the following activities, in cooperation with and consultation of GFC stakeholders towards the first International Conference in 2026 proposed (some activities may first require additional resources to be secured):
- Further webinars on the proposed implementation programmes in 2025 / early 2026 (planned).
- Preparation of revised TORs and Workplans for IP1 and IP2 for submission and approval of the International Conference in 2026.
- Continuation of supportive technical work under IP1, including a concept document on strategic chemicals management options, and other topics discussed at the IP1 workshop preceding the OEWG.
- Engagement of additional stakeholders in advancing the Thematic Workstreams, and Industry Sector Programmes under IP2. This may include, subject to available resources, topic-specific workshops (e.g. on data transparency and traceability).
- Continuation of supportive technical work under IP2, including further development of guidance for Target D6 implementation.
- Development of pilot primers on specific topics of the chemicals and waste and sustainable development, and identification of stakeholders interested in leading or engaging in thematic work on chemicals and climate change and education, respectively.
- Development of a discussion document on IP3, taking into account input received by OEWG and stakeholder interest.
- Ongoing work to expand content and provide further training on the IOMC Toolbox.
The IOMC will continue to offer the collective expertise and support of its ten Participating Organizations (POs) as progress with the GFC implementation programmes advances towards the first international conference in 2026.