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
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
Gender Mainstreaming: integrating gender in chemicals and waste management is key to such management being just and effective; recognizing gender aspects includes taking into account biological and social differences as well as realizing the transformational potential of gender responsiveness. Multi-stakeholder engagement and collaboration is needed across the board to achieve the SDGs; it does not replace governmental and stakeholder responsibilities but it can strengthen and improve chemicals management, pooling expertise and ressources, fostering innovation, building stronger political will.
In my organization, we are working to spread the message about the need for environmental conservation – to ensure the protection of biological diversity and ecological balance. Our motto is to promote and encourage an environmental movement through a participatory democratic framework involving diverse social groups, and to assist them with ideas, information, and leadership for promoting a safe, sustainable, and toxic-free world. We conduct consultations, workshops and meetings with government agencies, relevant stakeholders, project partners, industrial associations, health professionals, multi sector group of people about the adverse effects of lead in paints and mercury in consumer products, dental amalgam
Colin is passionate about the power of green and sustainable chemistry to contribute to a healthier environment. He has studied chemical engineering and a masters in sustainable chemistry. After working as an industry and academic researcher in the field of sustainable energy and energy storage technologies, Colin has recently joined UNEP as a consultant to support their work on green and sustainable chemistry. Colin hopes that his work will result in the uptake of green and sustainable chemistry practices throughout society to promote sound chemical management and a cleaner and safer world for all.
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.