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
I am a consultant, supporting UNEP on topics related to the use of chemicals in various products and the potential impact these can have on human health and the environment.
I am currently working as a research assistant in the Environmental Health Division in UCT's School of Public Health and Family Medicine. I work on a number of projects that aim at capacity building and knowledge management of sound chemical management, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. My main speciality within public health is environmental health and so our work focuses on improving health through addressing environmental exposures that may negatively impact the health of the communities we work with.
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.
I train workers, farmers and young people on sound management of chemicals in order to protect their health and their environment. I also participate in analysis of policies and investment projects to ensure they support healthy living and environment. I am also involved in the study on chemical safety in Africa - one such study was recently published by the University of Eastern Finland and it was on the challenges of accessing justice facing people in Africa from dumping of toxic waste in the continent. I also monitor implementation of MEAs in the region on behalf of Workers and Trade
Currently am working on chemical exposure among rubber plantation workers. I would like to know more on there practices and awareness of personal protective equipment (PPE) usage while working.