The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 SDGs were adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in September 2015. The SDGs aim to meet the dual challenge of overcoming poverty and protecting the planet. They highlight a comprehensive vision of sustainable development that embraces economic, social and environmental dimension.
The goal of this community of practice is to facilitate discussions with various stakeholders from different sectors on documents and other knowledge materials being developed around the linkages between chemical management and the achievement of the sustainable development goals, including gender (learn more about SDGs here).
Another key goal is how to bring in and engage with the youth in relation to chemicals and the sustainable development goals.
Past sessions
Online discussion: Innovation for achieving the Chemical related SDGs
Download the community of practice summary of discussions
Our works contribute to a better policy and regulations related to chemicals and waste issues, especially heavy metals and chemicals in products. We advocate cleaner productions, safer alternatives, and national standard, supported by new law or revised law. We also work with all stakeholders, ranging from producers/manufacturers, safer alternatives providers, workers union, academia, consumer groups, procurement group, law makers, and government officials. We conduct awareness raising to attract the general public about certain issues, collect samples, analyse it in qualified laboratories, and disseminate it to the public aimed to influence the policy change and regulations.
During my carrier I have worked with Materials Global Regulatory Compliance (Europe, USA, Latin America, India, China etc), food and water contact materials, safe drinking water, eco design, design for environment etc. Since 3 years ago, I decided to work as Consultant and Educator and one of my key areas is Safe and Healthy Materials. Secondly I work with Circular Economy, Circular Design, Sustainability and SDGs.
Given what we know about pesticide use in Tanzania, there is significant population exposure and health effects. We participate in efforts geared towards management of pesticide-related occupational and environmental health hazards by documenting exposures and their related health and environmental impact and mobilizing action towards prevention of exposure and controlling effects to the environment and populations at risk. By doing so, we contribute to a healthier environment.
How does your work on chemicals contribute to a healthier environment? Trained as a political scientist, my work focusses on supporting UNEP and its stakeholders to further develop the strategic approach to international chemicals management (SAICM) to protect human health and the environment and work towards a chemical safe future for all
Since 2012, I have worked in a leading role with the secretariat of SAICM, including managing the secretariat efforts to design and now execute this multi-stakeholder SAICM GEF project.Upon joining UNEP in 2006, I worked to establish and manage the Global Mercury Partnership and in providing policy support to the negotiation process for the development of the Minamata Convention on mercury. Prior to UNEP, I worked at Environment and Climate Change Canada on air quality and chemical related issues.Much of my career has allowed me to work in a multi-stakeholder function on pollution and sustainability related issues, focusing on building
Working with the Secretariat of the Bamako Convention at UNEP enables to support Parties in implementing their treaty obligations in prohibiting and controlling the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and chemicals in Africa.
I work for a government department that uses pesticides to combat invasive alien species (plants and animals) using community members as our workforce thus creating jobs and protecting South Africa's biodiversity.