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“After intense negotiations, the 5th session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) adopted the new Global Framework on Chemicals, including pivotal decisions as part of the Bonn Declaration,” said Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy. 

Minister Creecy has congratulated and welcomed the success of the South African negotiating team for working tirelessly as part of the Africa Group of Negotiators.  

The ICCM5 was convened from 25-29 September 2023 in Bonn, Germany. The main objective of the Conference was to adopt a “Beyond 2020” chemicals and waste global policy framework instrument.

The Global Framework on Chemicals Fund is aimed at benefiting stakeholders in developing countries on the implementation of priority targets to manage chemicals and waste. It provides a vision for a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste, for a safe, healthy and sustainable future, and is operationalised through concrete targets and guidelines for key sectors across the entire lifecycle of chemicals that aim to improve the sound management of chemicals and waste. The poor and other vulnerable groups who are the most adversely affected by the impact of chemicals and waste, would benefit positively from environmentally sound management of chemicals.

The framework calls for, by 2035, a phase out of highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture where the risks have not been managed and safer alternatives are available, and further seeks to strengthening links between the new instrument and the climate, biodiversity, human rights and health agendas.

The Global Framework on Chemicals Fund will be financed from contributions from all stakeholders including the private sector. Host country, Germany, announced that it would pledge EUR 20 million to the new fund envisaged under the framework. France announced that it would contribute EUR 400,000 in 2024.

Governments have committed to creating, by 2030, the regulatory environment to reduce chemical pollution and implement policies to promote safer alternatives. Industry has also committed to managing chemicals in a way that reduces chemical pollution and adverse impacts. 

Issued by The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment