First Open-Ended-Working Group on the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC OEWG-1.0)
June 24-27, 2025, Punta Del Este, Uruguay
Toxics Link participated in the first Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG-1) of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC), held from June 24–27, 2025 in Punta del Este, Uruguay. This inaugural meeting brought together governments, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to review progress on the tasks set out for the first International Conference (IC-1) and to exchange ideas on ensuring effective implementation of the framework.
The Global Framework on Chemicals is a voluntary, multi-stakeholder agreement designed to promote the sound management of chemicals and waste throughout their life cycle. Anchored in five strategic objectives and 28 targets, it provides a comprehensive roadmap for countries and stakeholders to address chemical pollution as a global sustainable development challenge.
In the four days of plenary sessions and contact groups, the following topics were discussed:
• The role and objectives of the OEWG and its modalities
• Terms of reference for the three planned GFC
• Choosing chemical “issues of concern” to spotlight for focused global action
• Operation of the GFC Fund, and how it might be improved
• Ideas for a resource mobilisation strategy for meeting GFC objectives and targets
• Stocktaking and gap identification in the ongoing work to flesh out the GFC’s measurability structure with indicators
• Ways for the GFC to catalyse capacity efforts in the sound management of chemicals
• Guidelines for how national focal points will function and serve GFC objectives
• Plans for launching a global alliance on highly hazardous pesticides
Toxics Link has been working on critical “issues of concern”, including lead in paints, PFAS compounds, and highly hazardous pesticides. As a proponent of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), the organisation also participated in the Fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5), which laid the foundation for the GFC. Ms Vidhi Mathur, Sr Programme Officer, represented Toxics Link at the international forum and on behalf of IPEN made an intervention on capacity building, advocating for inclusive and sustained effort oriented towards strengthening rights-based, accountable systems.
Toxics Link welcomes the discussions held during the first OEWG and looks forward to engaging at both global and national levels—advocating for stronger regulations, enhanced capacity, and inclusive governance to ensure the sound management of chemicals in India and
beyond.
