By Abdullahi Lukman
Countries came together on June 20, 2025, to establish a new global science-policy panel aimed at improving the management of chemicals and waste and preventing pollution.
The decision was reached during an intergovernmental meeting in Punta del Este, Uruguay, after several years of negotiations led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The panel is designed to fill a major gap in the global environmental framework by providing independent, policy-relevant scientific advice on chemicals, waste, and pollution prevention.
It will support governments—particularly in developing countries—by conducting global assessments, identifying knowledge gaps, and offering tools for timely and effective decision-making.
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This new body complements existing international panels such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), completing a scientific trifecta to address the planet’s triple environmental crises: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen described the agreement as historic, calling the panel a crucial step toward addressing the global waste and pollution crisis and securing a healthier, safer future for all.
The urgency of the panel’s work is clear. Municipal solid waste is expected to rise from 2.1 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050, while air pollution currently contributes to an estimated 6.5 million deaths annually.
The economic cost of waste management reached approximately $252 billion in 2020.
The next phase involves preparing for the panel’s first plenary session, where member countries will discuss and adopt its initial work program, priorities, and partnerships.
Hosted by UNEP, the panel aims to rapidly operationalize and support countries worldwide in safeguarding the environment and public health through science-based policies.
