Youth at Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group
for a Science-Policy Panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution
Update: Accreditation support for youth to attend regional meetings ahead of OEWG-3. Find more HERE!
About the Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG):
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In March 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly at its resumed fifth session (UNEA-5.2) decided that a science-policy panel should be established to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution. Following its resolution 5/8, UNEA further convened an ad hoc open-ended working group (OEWG) to prepare proposals for the science-policy panel which began its work in 2022 with the ambition of completing it by the end of 2024.
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After the completion of the first two sessions, the third session of the ad hoc open-ended working group (OEWG 3) will be held at the International Conference Center in Geneva (CICG), Switzerland, from 17 to 21 June 2024. The meeting will be preceded by several consultations on 16 June 2024 at the same venue.
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CYMG is currently advocating for intergenerational equity to be established as one of the operating principles within the future science-policy panel. Additionally, we aim to facilitate meaningful engagement of young individuals, leveraging both their expertise and lived experiences, to enrich negotiations and infuse youth perspectives into the scientific assessments. To this end, we are ready to support with accreditation for a diverse group of interested youths to actively participate in and contribute to discussions in Geneva.
Road Towards OEWG-3 in Geneva
CYMG has developed a comprehensive strategy to enhance youth engagement within the OEWG process. In the forthcoming days, CYMG plans to host two virtual roundtables in May 2024, designed to facilitate discussions among youth stakeholders, foster the development of youth positions on relevant issues, and provide updates on the progress of the OEWG process. Furthermore, CYMG aims to finalize any written submissions during these sessions, ensuring effective communication of youth perspectives and their integration into the dialogue.
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CYMG envisages organizing the 2024 Youth Consultative Meeting (YCM) in a hybrid manner to build upon the successes of previous engagements, particularly the one held preceding OEWG2. Find more about 2023 YCM below!
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For any inquiries or questions, kindly contact:
aseel.abotalib.3@gmail.com
Youth Consultative Meeting (YCM) on OEWG-2 SPP
Saturday, 9 December 2023 from 12:00 – 17.30 EAT | Conference Room 14, UNEP headquarters, Nairobi
YCM 2023 is a pivotal gathering that took place in preparation for the second session of the ad hoc open-ended working group (OEWG 2) on a science-policy panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution. It served as a collaborative platform, ensuring the effective integration of youth perspectives in the negotiations, extending the ongoing intersessional efforts conducted by the constituency, and building on capacity-building sessions, coordinated written submissions, and organized online consultations; this meeting also served as a continuation and intensification of those efforts. With a primary focus on finalizing youth statements and stances, YCM provided an additional opportunity for crucial consultations, ensuring a unified and impactful youth contribution to the broader discussions on matters related to chemicals, waste, and pollution prevention.
Agenda Item 1: Opening of the Meeting
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Agenda Item 2: Brief Scene Setting (UNEA and Resolution 5/8; Need for a Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste & Pollution Prevention; OEWG SPP Process; Outcomes of Previous OEWG Sessions and Regional Meetings; and CYMG’s Written Submissions)
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Agenda Item 3: Updates from Key Chemicals, Waste and Pollution-Related Policy Processes (SAICM & ICCM 5; BRS Conventions; Minamata Convention; UNEP Nitrogen Working Group; Vienna Convention & Montreal Protocol; and INC Plastic Pollution)
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Agenda Item 4: Road to UNEA6: Draft Resolutions relating to Chemicals, Waste and Pollution
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Agenda Item 5: Review of the Official Documents Prepared for OEWG 2
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Agenda Item 6: Brainstorming Session and Finalization of Youth Position
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Agenda Item 7: Other Matters
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Agenda Item 8: Intergenerational Dialogue
Speakers:
- Gudi Alkemade, OEWG SPP Bureau Chair
- Tessa Goverse, Principal Coordinator, OEWG SPP Secretariat
- Jacqueline Alvarez, Chief, Chemicals and Health Branch, Industry and Economy Division, UNEP
- Zuhair Ahmed Kowshik, Global Focal Point, CYMG
- Aseel Ibrahim Mohammed Abo-Taleb, Chemicals, Waste and Pollution Facilitator, CYMG (Moderator)
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Agenda Item 9: Closing of the Meeting
Previous Statements and Submissions
Statements >>
At the Second Session (OEWG2) in Nairobi, Kenya
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Youth Priorities for Future Panel (at OEWG2)
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Intervention at the Informal Consultation (prior to OEWG2)
At the Resumed First Session (OEWG 1.2) in Bangkok, Thailand
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EU - Youth Bilateral Meeting at the sideline of OEWG 1.2 in Bangkok
Written Submissions >>
Ahead of OEWG-2
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On Operating Principles Governing the Work of the Future Panel
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On Needs and Questions the Future Panel May Handle
CYMG Delegates at Africa Regional Meeting of OEWG2