Civil Society preparations for OEWG-3

Thursday 16 May – 13:00-15:00 GMT and Sunday 26 May – 13:30-15:00 GMT

ONLINE CONSULTATIONS: Virtual Round Table organized by CYMG

The two virtual roundtables focused on the compilation of proposals for establishing a science-policy panel, in preparation for the Hybrid Youth Consultative Meeting scheduled on the 16 June 2024 during the third session of OEWG on SPP CWP at the International Conference Center in Geneva (CICG), Switzerland. These roundtable discussions aimed to solicit essential perspectives and inputs from youth and children, serving as an avenue to comprehend their expectations and demands for the forthcoming science-policy panel. The insights gathered from these roundtables are strategically positioned to contribute to the policy position of the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP for the OEWG-3.

• Concept Note

For more information, please contact the event organizers Aseel Abo-Taleb and CYMG to UNEP

Tuesday 21 May – 10:00-12:00 GMT

WEBINAR:The Role of Major Groups in the Science Policy Panel for Chemicals, Waste and Pollution Prevention organized by MGS

This webinar looked at the institutional arrangements of the future Science Policy Panel for sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution and discuss how civil society can be involved in the work of a future panel. The webinar introduced the concept of a Science Alliance and facilitated discussion around central questions relating to social and natural scientists’ engagement of the panel.

Organized by UNEP’s Major Groups and Stakeholders, the webinar also provided an opportunity for Major Groups and Stakeholders to align positions ahead of OEWG-3.

For more information, please contact the event organizers Mohamed Abdelraouf and Camilla Alexander-White.

Sunday 26 May – 13:00 GMT

WEBINAR: Navigating SPP OEWG Process organized by CYMG

Capacity Building Session

This capacity-building session aimed to provide CYMG and interested stakeholders with a brief introduction to the historic work of the OEWG process, the outcomes of previous meetings, and the way forward before the third session in Geneva. This briefing gave the delegates an in-depth understanding of the most important aspects of the negotiations and their context, and it fed into the online consultations and offline input collection by the Children and Youth Major Group.

• Concept Note

For more information, please contact the event organizers Aseel Abo-Taleb and CYMG to UNEP

Friday 31 May – 14:00 GMT

WEBINAR:  Empowering Tomorrow: Safeguarding Children and Youth from Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution organized by CYMG

Chemicals, waste, and pollution pose significant threats to human health and the environment, particularly impacting vulnerable populations such as children and youth. As we navigate the complexities of environmental governance, there is a critical need to establish a science-policy panel to enhance the management of chemicals and waste and to mitigate pollution effectively. To pave the way for constructive discussions this webinar aimed to explore the impact of chemicals and waste, and the potential role the future panel can play to address the current challenges.

• Concept Note
• Webinar recording
• Webinar Materials

Tuesday 11 June - 14:00-17:00 CET

WEBINAR WORKSHOP: Science and capacity building on chemicals, waste and pollution organized by MGS

This webinar discussed the nexus of science, policy, and action with an emphasis on chemical pollution and waste prioritization, relevant and novel scientific findings, and discussions on existing capacity building efforts, the 3PC and the relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Organizers: Norway’s Institute of Marine Research, Aarhus University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, European Horizon 2020 MERFISH Program, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

For more information, please see the event page or contact the workshop chairperson, Dr. Michael S. Bank

Youth Consultative Meeting for OEWG-3 SPP - Sunday 16 June 2024 - 09:00 to 13:00  

MAIN OBJECTIVES

• Engage youth stakeholders in a collaborative process to refine and finalize key youth priorities for OEWG-3, drawing from insights gained through previous consultations and submissions.
• Facilitate coordination among youth delegates to articulate a unified stance and maximize the impact of youth interventions during OEWG-3 discussions.
• Provide targeted capacity-building sessions to equip delegates with the necessary knowledge to actively participate in OEWG-3 negotiations through interactive discussions on relevant working documents.
• Facilitate dynamic knowledge exchange among networks and organizations, showcasing innovative projects and best practices in chemicals, waste, and pollution prevention.

AGENDA

PRESS RELEASE

More information on the Youth Consultative Meeting is available on the Children and Youth major group to UNEP website.

International Major Groups and Stakeholders preparatory meeting - Sunday 16 June 2024 - 14:30 to 17:45

MAIN OBJECTIVES

• Coordinate MGos positions and statements on topics to be covered during the negotiations at OEWG-3.
• Facilitate an exchange of knowledge amongst MGoS in on key topics.
• Equip MGoS participants with the necessary background knowledge of the process, points of negotiations and Major Group priorities in order to actively engage in the negotiations in lines with the rules of procedure.

AGENDA 

PRESS RELEASE:

"Major Groups & Stakeholders held a successful consultation event on Sunday 16 June ahead of the OEWG3 Plenary. SPP Madame Chair Gudi Alkemade and Head of the SPP Secretariat Tessa Goverse joined the MGS event from their busy schedule, for an initial Q&A session, to support non-government participants about the practicalities in preparing for the week ahead. In the second session, the MGS discussed key aspects of the OEWG3 papers. It was good to hear that there was a significant amount of agreement and consensus in the room on key points relating to institutional arrangements and conflict of interest procedures. Members heard about the concept of a potential SPP Science Alliance and were broadly supportive of the idea – sources of funding and finding a suitable host would be the key next steps for this initiative. The MGS will meet every morning between 8.30-9.30 as the negotiations evolve."