7 February 2003: The 22nd session of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Governing Council (GC) and fourth Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GMEF) took place from 3-7 February 2003, at UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

Nearly 1000 participants, including delegates from 148 countries, as well as representatives of UN agencies, international organizations, academia, non-governmental organizations, business and industry, and youth organizations, attended the week-long gathering. During the meeting, delegates considered a wide range of topics, including emerging policy issues, the role of civil society, international environmental governance (IEG), linkages among environment-related conventions, and the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD).

High-level ministerial consultations were held on the theme, “Implementation of the Outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development.” Sessions focused on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), regional implementation of the WSSD’s outcomes, the promotion of sustainable production and consumption patterns, and the use of the natural resource base to help combat poverty, including UNEP’s contribution to the WSSD’s biodiversity commitments.

The Governing Council concluded its work by adopting more than 40 decisions on issues relating to international environmental governance, post-conflict environmental assessment, water policy and strategy, a strategic approach to chemicals management, a mercury programme, support to Africa, production and consumption patterns, and the environment and cultural diversity. After protracted negotiations, delegates also adopted UNEP’s Programme of Work and budget for the biennium 2004-2005.

UNEP Governing Council takes a number of chemicals-related decisions
At the 22nd session of the UNEP Governing Council – held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 3-7 February 2003 – delegates reached agreement on a number of chemicals-related issues. These included decisions on lead, the Strategic Approach on International Chemicals Management (SAICM), the Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, and the global mercury assessment (see article below). The decision on lead encourages the sound management of lead-containing wastes through the application of technical guidelines and the reduction of lead exposure, and calls on governments to act in cooperation with the private sector on the phase-put of leaded gasoline and lead-based paint. On the Strategic Approach on International Chemicals Management (SAICM), governments agreed to continue developing the SAICM despite clear differences over the speed with which work should progress. EU, Norwegian and Swiss pressure for “substantive guidance” for the process was resisted by Australia, the US and Colombia. The decision mandates the SAICM Steering Committee to proceed with the further development of a strategic approach to be regularly reviewed in light of the WSSD’s target. Regarding the Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, the decisions invite States to ratify or accede to the Conventions, while the continued participation of the UNEP Secretariat is authorized as the interim Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention.

UNEP Governing Council Adopts “Compromise Decision” on the Global Mercury Assessment
Delegates at the 22nd session of the UNEP Governing Council – held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 3-7 February 2003 – adopted a “compromise decision” aimed at addressing the dangers of mercury. The decision was taken after considering the report of the UNEP Global Mercury Assessment Working Group, an assembly of approximately 150 international experts. The report, which was finalized in a Working Group meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, in September 2002, calls on governments to consider a list of options aimed at reducing the risks of mercury. The decision notes that there is sufficient evidence from the Global Mercury Assessment to warrant immediate national action to protect human health and the environment from releases of mercury and its compounds. Governments are invited to submit their views on the possible medium- and long-term actions on mercury. These views will be compiled and synthesized for presentation at the Governing Council’s 23rd session, with a view to developing “a legally binding instrument, a non-legally binding instrument, or other measure or actions.” The decision also includes requirements to consider further action on other heavy metals at the Governing Council’s 23rd session.

Links to further information
Earth Negotiations Bulletin web coverage, summary report and analysis
http://enb.iisd.org/linkages/unepgc/22gc/
UNEP Governing Council homepage
http://www.unep.org/GoverningBodies/GC22/Default.asp
Global Mercury Assessment, UNEP Chemicals
http://www.chem.unep.ch/mercury/