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
GAPROFFA research works on chemicals contributes to the capacity building through awareness-raising, training, advocacy and research at 3 levels: At the Micro level: Target groups are the actors most exposed to chemicals. They are farmers, craftsmen, transporters and all the tradesmen, including women and youth. The messages sensitize these target groups on the rational using of chemicals in their activities because most of them are illiterate. At the Meso level: The target groups are extension agents, research assistants, technicians and. The Training of Trainers (ToT) is organized to equip these agents to take over and reach many people. These trained
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.
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
I investigate persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in environmental matrices and biota and monitor human exposure to POPs. The monitoring data provide us with valuable knowledge that is necessary for taking measures to reduce levels of these chemicals in environment.
I have been working on chemicals such as BPA, triclosan, Phthalates, POPs. We are doing primary and secondary research work and through our findings we are approaching government to bring the policy change. We are also involved in capacity building of stakeholders to educate them on the issue and take appropriate action.
The organisation work on chemicals over the years has been tremendously useful to both national government policy issues and industry's processes towards environment. As the NGO SAICM focal point on chemicals and waste, our studies in lead in paint formed the basis for the current 90ppm mandatory standard in place as well as the ongoing regulation by the appropriate agency. Our past case studies on mercury added products and its associated advocacy work assisted the Nigerian government in the ratification and the current implementation of the minamata convention. The organisation's strong national campaign, studies and advocacy has been the main