UN Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel for Chemicals Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP)

As the first plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP) convenes from 2–6 February to open preparation of its first Work Programme, the international scientific community is strengthening the evidence base for global policy decisions.

With little progress in the development of the Global Plastics Treaty, the ISP-CWP can play a key role in providing authoritative, policy-relevant scientific assessments on plastic pollution, including chemical additives, life-cycle impacts and cumulative risks, to inform coordinated action at national, regional and global levels.

A new report titled “Laying the Foundations for a Cleaner and Fairer Future: Scientists’ inputs to the first Work Programme of the UN ISP-CWP” — is now available, consolidating inputs from scientists across Norwegian universities and independent research institutes.

Prepared in response to an endorsement from the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment, this independent report provides recommendations to support Member States and the Panel in establishing a robust, credible, and inclusive science–policy interface on chemicals, waste, and pollution. It emphasizes actionable elements for:

• Strengthening the science–policy interface across global, regional, and national levels.
• Building interdisciplinary and harmonized data infrastructures.
• Invest in the creation of innovative data products.
• Embedding precautionary and preventive action principles in the Panel’s assessments and its provisions for policy options.
• Ensuring open science, transparency, and ethical governance.
• Safeguarding children, future generations, and environmental justice as crucial targets of the Panel.

The report is intended as an open resource for policymakers, negotiators and stakeholders engaged in global efforts to address environmental contamination across chemicals, waste and pollution.

Read the full report: Laying the foundations for a Cleaner and Fairer Future. Scientists’ inputs to the first Work Programme of the UN Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution