LocationsUNDP at the 2025 BRS COPs: Advancing the global chemicals and waste agenda
April 25, 2025
April 28, 2025
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May 9, 2025
Geneva, Switzerland
UNDP is proud to participate in the 2025 Conferences of the Parties (COPs) to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, as part of our ongoing commitment to advancing the global chemicals and waste agenda. These landmark conferences will take place from 28 April to 9 May 2025 in Geneva, providing a critical platform for advancing sustainable solutions to hazardous chemicals and waste management on a global scale.
As a key partner in the implementation of these conventions, UNDP's participation will focus on driving action, promoting capacity building, and facilitating the transition towards a pollution-free, zero-waste, circular economy. UNDP’s expertise in chemical and waste management will be showcased through a series of high-level engagements, technical presentations, and strategic partnerships.
UNDP, as an observer to the BRS Conventions, plays a vital role in promoting coordinated international efforts, advocating for sustainable practices, and facilitating innovative financial solutions to tackle chemical pollution and safeguard human and environmental health.
UNDP works with over 80 countries to implement the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions through its Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded projects and other initiatives. These efforts focus on strengthening national capacities for managing hazardous chemicals and wastes, building frameworks for action, and ensuring compliance with the conventions' provisions.
Areas of engagement
During the 2025 BRS COPs, UNDP will organize and contribute to several side events and technical sessions, which will provide an in-depth focus on critical issues related to chemicals and waste management, including:
- UNDP/World Bank Side Event on "Sustainable Finance for Sustainable Chemicals and Waste Management". This event will explore options to use GEF resources catalytically to unlock additional resources to bridge the financing gap in chemicals and waste management.
- EMG High-level Roundtable Discussion on "Strengthening Action for Change". Advancing Integrated Solutions for the Implementation of the BRS Conventions”. Marcos Neto, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP's Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, will participate in a roundtable discussion, sharing its perspective on advancing integrated solutions that support the BRS Conventions' objectives, emphasizing the importance of cross-sectoral approaches.
- High-Level Ministerial Roundtable on Circularity. Marcos Neto, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP's Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, will moderate discussions on circularity and its importance in the context of the BRS Conventions
- High-level Event/Fair Event: Eliminating the Invisible: Launch of the GEF’s Global Elimination Programme for PCB (GEP-PCB). UNDP Chemicals and Waste Hub will present its extensive experience in PCB projects, discuss lessons learned, and showcase best practices in PCB management and elimination.
We invite all stakeholders, including government representatives, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to collaborate with UNDP in shaping the future of chemicals and waste management. By coming together, we can drive efforts to protect the environment, safeguard health, and foster sustainable economies.
