On March 2, 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly agreed that a science-policy panel should be established to contribute to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution.

Pure Earth worked with the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution and partners to advocate for this science-policy panel, bringing our key messages to low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), and during the UNEA5.2 negotiation process.

Work on developing the panel is currently taking place, with a first Open-ended Working Group (OEWG 1.2) taking place in Feb. 2023, with a completed plan expected by the close of 2024.

Pure Earth and GAHP encourages all countries, especially those most impacted by pollution, to engage and actively participate in the working group sessions to form the panel and its areas of function. We look forward to assisting governments and other stakeholders to develop the structure and programs that will improve the lives of so many people.

The science-policy panel is the first such panel to help bridge the science-policy gap for chemicals, waste, and pollution. The panel will help scientists and policymakers open a dialogue and keep information flowing so that the best science to policy decisions can be made to set priorities and solve pollution.

Credible and respected platforms not only help ensure good policymaking, but also help expand public understanding, and pave the way for governments and others to respond accordingly.

Learn more about why we need a science-policy panel, and read Pure Earth and GAHP’s position paper.