Youth OEWG SPP Working Group
Supports youth participation in science-policy panel processes for chemicals, waste, and pollution.
Active Mandate
Focal points will be listed here when confirmed.
Pioneering the Environmental Pillar of One Health
Three core strategic pillars anchoring CYMG's environmental health research, multilateral diplomacy, and youth capacity building.
Focal points
The youth leaders and specialists driving CYMG's environmental health mandate across global policy, scientific research, and multilateral negotiations.
Focal points to be confirmed
Join CYMGMandate holders for this working group are being confirmed. Follow CYMG or reach out to get involved.
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.
Links & One Health Toolkit
Useful links, resources, position papers, and partner platforms related to environmental health and One Health.
More about Youth OEWG SPP Working Group
A closer look at this group's history, highlights, and engagements.
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: Registration for online participation at the Youth Consultative Meetin is open now. Find more!
About the Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG):
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.
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, including the Youth Consultative Meeting (YCM) on 16 June 2024 at the same venue.
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.
CYMG Webinar ahead of OEWG3 Empowering Tomorrow: Safeguarding Children and Youth from Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution
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 hosted two virtual roundtables ahead of OEWG3, 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 has been working to finalize written submissions during this period, ensuring effective communication of youth perspectives and their integration into the dialogue.
For any inquiries or questions, kindly contact: aseel.abotalib.3@gmail.com
Submissions and Resources Ahead of OEWG-3
CYMG's Proposals and Recommendations on the Current Documentations for OEWG3
Youth Priorities for OEWG-3Policy Brief: Promoting Youth Engagement in Science-Policy Interfaces
The Youth Consultative Meeting (YCM) plays a pivotal role in the preparations for the third session of the ad hoc open-ended working group (OEWG 3) on a science-policy panel. Proposed to convene on June 16, 2024, this session serves as a collaborative platform, ensuring the effective integration of youth perspectives in the upcoming negotiations. Building upon intersessional activities, including capacity-building sessions and online consultations (virtual round tables), online webinars and written submission preparation, the YCM aims to consolidate youth input and ensure its effective integration into the third round of negotiations. As we gear up for OEWG 3, it is imperative to harness the collective potential and energy of young people in deriving ambition towards sound management of chemicals, waste and pollution prevention.
Find more: www.cymgenv.net/updates/youth-consultative-meeting-on-oewg-3
CYMG at Regional Meetings in preparation for the OEWG 3
Delegates from the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP (CYMG) actively participated in the regional meetings in preparation for the third session of the ad hoc open-ended working group on a science-policy panel on chemicals, waste and pollution prevention and made substantive contributions towards the preparation of regions for the final negotiations in Geneva.
Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting in China
LAC Regional Meeting in Uruguay
Africa Regional Meeting in Ghana
Previous Statements and Submissions
Statements >>
At the Second Session (OEWG2) in Nairobi, Kenya
Youth Priorities for Future Panel (at OEWG2)
Intervention at the Informal Consultation (prior to OEWG2)
Intervention on Agenda Item 4Closing StatementAt the Resumed First Session (OEWG 1.2) in Bangkok, Thailand
General StatementClosing StatementEU - Youth Bilateral Meeting at the sideline of OEWG 1.2 in Bangkok
Written Submissions >>
Ahead of OEWG-2
On Operating Principles Governing the Work of the Future Panel
On Needs and Questions the Future Panel May Handle
CYMG Delegates at Africa Regional Meeting ahead of OEWG2
2023 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
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)
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)
Agenda Item 4: Road to UNEA6: Draft Resolutions relating to Chemicals, Waste and Pollution
Agenda Item 5: Review of the Official Documents Prepared for OEWG 2
Agenda Item 6: Brainstorming Session and Finalization of Youth Position
Agenda Item 7: Other Matters
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 Coordinator, CYMG
- Aseel Ibrahim Mohammed Abo-Taleb, Chemicals, Waste and Pollution Facilitator, CYMG (Moderator)
Agenda Item 9: Closing of the Meeting