Establishment of the Intergovernmental Science Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP): a historic step for the health of the planet
June 20, 2025, Punta del Este, Uruguay
A decisive step in global environmental governance has been taken with the official establishment of the Intergovernmental Science Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP). This new panel, now the third global science pillar alongside the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), is dedicated to the responsible management of chemicals and waste and the prevention of pollution.
The path towards its establishment began with the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) Resolution 5/8 of 2022, and was taken forward by an ad hoc Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG). The second part of the third session (OEWG 3.2) was held from 15 to 19 June 2025 and was chaired by Gudi Alkemade (Netherlands), who stressed the need to finalise the founding document and draft rules of procedure to enable the panel to provide sound technical and scientific expertise. Delegations, including European Union Member States, including Italy, actively participated, advocating for a panel that was inclusive, scientifically independent and able to address all forms of pollution.
During OEWG 3.2, significant progress was made on the founding document, which defines the aims, objectives and functions of the panel, recognising the “Plenary” as the governing and decision-making body. Recommendations for the first session of the panel and related provisions for the transitional period were also prepared.
The proposals developed by OEWG 3.2 were considered and adopted on 20 June 2025 by the Intergovernmental Meeting (IM) convened by UNEP, co-chaired by Laura Dupuy Lasserre (Uruguay) and Yutaka Matsuzawa (Japan). During this meeting, the panel was formally established and named the Intergovernmental Science Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP). It was also confirmed that it will be an independent and transparent intergovernmental body, hosted by UNEP, and that its Plenary will provide sound scientific evidence to support global policy choices.
The road to the full operation of the ISP-CWP will require further efforts and negotiations. In fact, the first session of the panel will be held within one year of its establishment, where governments will discuss and adopt its initial work programme and priorities. In addition, the panel will have to address negotiations on remaining divergences among Member States.
This panel represents a crucial tool to bridge the gap between science and policy, providing governments with the information needed to effectively address the management of chemicals, waste and pollution prevention.
Simone Marzeddu, member of the Dangerous Substances Section (DG-TEC), participated in the process of establishing the Panel for ISPRA, designated as a member of the Italian delegation together with representatives of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) and the National Research Council (CNR).
You can view the recording of the Intergovernmental Meeting available at YouTube.
Photo: IISD/ENB - Angeles Estrada Vigil