New Science Policy Panel Established to Address Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution

Governments have agreed to establish a new Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution Prevention, following the resumed third session of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG 3.2), held from 15–20 June 2025 in Punta del Este, Uruguay.

The panel is designed to strengthen the link between science and policy, providing countries with evidence-based input to support better decisions on pollution and chemical safety. It will work alongside existing science-policy bodies like the IPCC and IPBES, focusing specifically on chemicals, waste, and pollution—areas that affect health and development, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

GAHP participated as a UNEP Observer in negotiations where governments agreed to establish a Science-Policy Panel on chemicals, waste, and pollution. Ahead of the session, our representatives—Jill Hanna, Lilian Corra, and Maria Paola Lia—were on site to follow the negotiations, consulted its members and submitted written comments to UNEP on key negotiation texts.

The panel’s creation marks a step forward in global efforts to address pollution through stronger science-policy collaboration. GAHP will continue to follow its development and look for ways to support its work in practice. Read the full recap here.