6 May 2014: The Geneva Environment Network Secretariat convened a panel discussion on Integrating the Sound Management of Chemicals in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Attended by over 70 participants, the panel addressed the contribution of sound chemicals management to the three pillars of sustainable development, and chemicals management to be included in the SDGs.

Panel members included: Fatoumata Keita-Ouane, UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Chemicals; Kerstin Stendahl, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions; Mohamed Ibrahim Nasr, Permanent Mission of the Arab Republic of Egypt; Ludovic Bernaudat, UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO); and Lena Perenius, International Council of Chemicals Associations. The Panel was chaired by Franz Perrez, Switzerland.

The Panel also discussed the latest paper of the Co-Chairs of the Open Working Group (OWG) on the SDGs, noting that it addresses chemicals and waste in a few focus areas and is a good starting point, but that the sound management of chemicals and wastes is particularly relevant for: poverty eradication; sustainable agriculture and food security; health and population growth; water; industrialization; sustainable consumption and production; sustainable cities; and means of implementation. Discussions underscored the need for comprehensive and integrated policies, recommending that a generic goal be drawn from the internationally agreed goal to achieve sustainable management of chemicals throughout their life cycle and of wastes, to be adapted and used as a goal or a target in several focus areas.

Discussions also underscored the need for the SDGs to catalyze implementation and support, and that means of implementation is fundamental to achieving the SDGs.

The Geneva Environment Network is coordinated by UNEP. [Geneva Environment Network Press Release]