For the coming fifth session of the International Conference on Chemical Management (ICCM5n, A Group of NGOs prepared an information paper that includes an assessment of effectiveness of Issues of Concern (IoCs) for the new Beyond 2020 instrument on chemicals and waste.
IoCs are recognized of particular importance to the Agenda 2030, and of cross-cutting
importance to the chemicals and waste work in particular. As such, they should not be airily
sunsetted without a thorough evaluation also of their universal values.
Universal values beyond a narrow and time-limited workplan can be captured by overarching
IoC criteria, such as we tried to illustrate in this document. Therefore, we urge the stakeholders to consider including the suggested criteria, or corresponding, into the Annex of the Beyond 2020 instrument.
If the instrument cannot efficiently address an IoC, stakeholders must consider raising the
ambition level via other channels, including increasing obligations, e.g. via other multilateral
agreements if doable. This should be part of the explanation for the way forward for an IoC
outlined in paragraph 9 in Chapter VII, sub-section C Mechanisms for Implementation, of the
Intersessional Process Consolidated Document.