Following on from the success of the first two Royal Society of Chemistry Burlington Consensus events in January and December 2022, at which the scientific community called strongly for the establishment of a United Nations Science Policy Panel for Chemicals, Waste and Pollution Prevention, the RSC is now hosting another open and interactive hybrid event, Burlington Consensus 3 with international participants. We will be in person in RSC Burlington House, London and online for inclusive and diverse participation from around the world.
The aims of the event are to share what has happened between January 2023 and July 2024 in the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) process at the United Nations from meetings in Bangkok, Nairobi and in Geneva. We will look at how scientists can get involved in the work of the new panel, the current issues of international importance in the new UN Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) and other global conventions that could be prioritised by the new science-policy panel. The objective of the event is to raise awareness, build networks, garner ideas and policy themes that can contribute to the work of the panel, with the goal to be able to nominate panels when the panel is established in 2025.
It is hoped that a new UN independent intergovernmental science-policy platform for chemicals, waste and pollution prevention can provide the formal processes required to build relationships and foster trust between the scientific and policymaking communities around the world to create impactful action on pollution prevention.
You can join this event in person or virtually and it will feature four panel discussions and a keynote lecture. Participants will be able to submit questions and suggestions to the group. We are aiming to create a diverse group of stakeholders from all areas of chemicals, waste and pollution, and we would very much value your participation.
In-person (London, UK) registration deadline: 16 September 2024
Online registration deadline: 26 September 2024
Commonwealth Chemistry endorses the UN Science Policy Panel for Chemicals, Waste and Pollution Prevention
In 2022, Commonwealth Chemistry endorsed a Chemical Pollution Policy Statement made by our Society Member the Royal Society of Chemistry, calling for an independent Intergovernmental science-policy Platform for Chemicals and Waste Management. Find out more about our endorsement and this statement on our website here.
In March 2022, the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) 5.2 passed a resolution initiating the establishment of a science-policy panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution. The Royal Society of Chemistry was key in influencing this outcome, with the UK an early co-sponsoring country.