ICCA Statement on the Outcome of the Fifth Session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5)

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Bonn, 29 September 2023 – The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) released the following statement following the conclusion of the fifth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5).

“The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), representing more than 90 percent of global chemical sales has been a strong supporter of the UN-led Strategic Approach to International Chemical Management (SAICM) and a new Global Framework on Chemicals and Bonn Declaration, utilizing the voluntary, multi-stakeholder approach that enables all relevant stakeholders to contribute to building a stronger foundation for sound management of chemicals and waste.

“Chemistry is essential to achieving many of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals that will help us all achieve a lower-carbon future and improve quality life.

“We accept that with this prominent role in the future, we have been challenged to be ambitious and innovate beyond what we already provide the world today. As a sign of our commitment to the sound management of chemicals and waste, we have developed three ambitions that we discussed with all stakeholders at the ICCM5.

“These ambitions start with transparency. We aim to provide access to available safety and sustainability data for our products by 2030, so that countries don’t have to recreate the work that’s already been done. We will work closely with other stakeholders to identify the best ways to make this data readily available and easy to access.

“The second ambition is to support at least 30 countries in their implementation of effective chemical management systems by 2030.  ICCA is ready to engage in a voluntary, innovative and inclusive financial mechanism that is linked to the strategic objectives of the new Global Framework on Chemicals and Bonn Declaration. With adequate governance in place involving the private sector, industry offers to also participate in the new innovative funding mechanism, with the aim to provide the necessary capacity to countries to establish fee-based regulatory systems.

“As part of our third ambition, the chemical industry will guide our product portfolios, including processes, towards sustainable solutions. Our industry is a leader in sustainable innovation, creating products that help build a better future.  We welcome feedback from stakeholders on metrics that highlight the progress that is being made by the chemical industry.

“To meet these ambitious goals of the new Global Framework on Chemicals and Bonn Declaration, meaningful partnerships between stakeholders serving these objectives are needed. We applaud the many contributions highlighted by all those here at ICCM5, and we look forward to the collaboration that will be necessary to ensure the ultimate success of this framework.

Lastly, we would like to thank the German Government for hosting ICCM5 and Inger Andersen and UNEP for convening the negotiations that welcomed all perspectives from industry, nations and non-governmental organizations.”

 

International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA)

The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) is an association of innovators, visionaries, solutions providers and product stewardship pioneers. Through ongoing innovation in chemistry and the constant improvement of safe chemicals management, the global chemical industry makes a significant contribution to a sustainable society: improving human health, protecting the environment, and delivering prosperity worldwide.

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