New science-policy panel to support effort on mercury and “Beyond 2020” process

In a decision at COP-4, Parties to the Minamata Convention welcomed a resolution adopted at UNEA-5 to establish a science-policy panel to contribute to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution. The sciencepolicy panel could provide an important new mechanism for the implementation of the Convention.

In the same decision, Parties to the Minamata Convention also welcomed a UNEA-5 resolution on the sound management of chemicals and waste, which invites Governments and all stakeholders involved in the “Beyond 2020” process to put in place an ambitious, improved enabling framework to address the sound management of chemicals and waste beyond 2020. The Secretariat actively participates in the beyond 2020 process, including the fourth meeting of the intersessional process considering the Strategic Approach and sound management of chemicals and waste beyond 2020 (IP4), in preparation of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5).