Thematic working group
Chemicals, Waste and Pollution Working Group
Focuses on pollution prevention and sound chemicals, waste, and pollution management.
Focus areas
What we work on
Three priority areas anchoring the group's work and advocacy in this mandate.
Our people
Focal points
The people leading this group. Reach out with questions, ideas, or to get involved.
2 focal points2 countries
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02Get involved with Chemicals, Waste and Pollution Working GroupReach out to any focal point above for questions, collaboration, or to join the group.
Activities and updates
What's happening
Current activities and the latest updates, resources, and events from this group.
Activities coming soon
Join CYMGThis group is currently shaping its activity calendar. Follow CYMG for the first announcements.
Resources
Links and resources
Useful links, resources, and platforms related to this working group.
In depth
More about Chemicals, Waste and Pollution Working Group
A closer look at this group's history, highlights, and engagements.
Children and Youth Major Group (CYMG)
Join Mailing ListUpdate: Accreditation support for youth to attend regional meetings ahead of OEWG-3. Find more HERE!
Welcome to the homepage of the 'Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution Working Group' under the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP (CYMG). Our group is dedicated to addressing the critical policy issues surrounding chemicals, waste, and pollution, with a focus on safeguarding the environment for present and future generations.
About Us The CYMG Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution Working Group is a dynamic team of young activists and advocates committed to creating a sustainable and pollution-free world. Our mission is to amplify the voices of children and youth in intergovernmental negotiations and discussions on environmental policies, particularly those related to chemicals, waste management, and pollution.
Highlights >>
Mottainai Youth Declaration on Zero Waste and Circularity
At the UNEP IETC Global Dialogue 2025 Youth Day, global participants developed the Mottainai Youth Declaration on Zero Waste and Circularity, a policy framework of youth-driven commitments and recommendations. Rooted in the Japanese term Mottainai (もったいない), which expresses regret over waste, the declaration underscores the urgency of circularity and sustainable practices.
Written Submission on Gender and Toxics
In response to the call for inputs to inform the thematic report on toxics and human Rights by the UN Special Rapporteur to the United Nations General Assembly, CYMG made a collective written submission on Gender and Toxics. It can be accessed HERE! Find more.
Zero Waste Futures: Youth Leadership and Solutions from the Asia Pacific to the Caribbean
UNEP's Caribbean SRO, IETC, and Children and Youth Major Group (CYMG) have co-organized this online event to promote zero waste initiatives and inspire youth engagement. Find out more and watch recording!
Youth Impact for Zero Waste
Join us for an online meeting on Sunday, March 24th, 2024, from 14:00 to 15:30 UTC. In light of the upcoming International Day of Zero Waste, this event spotlights the urgent need for effective waste management and sustainable consumption practices.
Minamata Youth Dialogue on Mercury 2024
The Initiative of the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ) represents a concerted effort to address mercury management and promote youth initiatives. Focusing on Minamata Convention and crosscutting issues, it serves as a platform for sustainable practices and intergenerational collaboration. Find more!
Capacity for Change: Youth Briefing on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution
This YEA 2024 session zoomed in on the critical issues of chemical management, waste reduction, and pollution prevention and capacitated youths towards effective, inclusive, and sustainable actions in the face of the pressing challenges.
Featured Engagements >>
UNEP Working Group on Nitrogen
Find more on Youth Engagement!Read More
Ad hoc open-ended working group on a science-policy panel on chemicals, waste and pollution prevention
Learn more!Read More
Key Engagement Avenues
UNEP Working Group on Nitrogen
Ad hoc Open-Ended Working Group on a science-policy panel on chemicals, waste and pollution prevention
Global Chemicals Outlook
Global Waste Management Outlook
Global Wastewater Initiative (GWWI)
International Day of Zero Waste
Other Areas of Engagement
BRS Conventions
Minamata Convention on Mercury
UNEP Global Framework on Chemicals
Bamako Convention on the Ban of the Import into Africa and the Control of Transboundary Movement and Management of Hazardous Wastes within Africa
Relevant Recent UN Environment Assembly Resolutions
UNEP Res. 6/9 - Sound management of chemicals and waste
UNPE Res. 6/10 - Promoting regional cooperation on air pollution to improve air quality globally
UNEP Res. 6/11 - Highly hazardous pesticides
UNEA Res. 5/2: Sustainable Nitrogen Management
UNEA Res. 5/8: Science-Policy Panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution