Countries are meeting in Geneva from 2–6 February for the first plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP), marking a key step in operationalising a new independent scientific body.
The EU has played an active role in supporting the establishment and implementation of this new panel, reaffirming its commitment to independent science and evidence-based multilateralism.
The ISP-CWP, convening for the first time in Geneva, completes the global science-policy architecture alongside the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and the International Resource Panel (IRP).
The panel will provide authoritative, policy-relevant scientific assessments on chemicals, waste and pollution – a long-standing gap in international environmental governance.
The work of the ISP-CWP will support informed decision-making across the full lifecycle of chemicals and materials, addressing pollution impacts on human health, ecosystems, climate resilience and economic sustainability. Its assessments are expected to inform international negotiations, such as negotiations on the international Plastics Treaty, as well as national and regional policies.
“In turbulent times for global cooperation, the EU is choosing continuity, credibility and science. Pollution, hazardous chemicals and waste do not stop at borders. Effective solutions require shared evidence, transparency and trust in science. The EU remains firmly committed to strengthening the global solutions driven by scientific evidence.”
Environment, Water Resilience and Circular Competitive Economy Commissioner Jessika Roswall
The first plenary focuses on establishing the panel’s governance, work programme and operational modalities, laying the groundwork for future assessments. As global environmental challenges intensify, the EU considers the ISP-CWP an essential investment in multilateral cooperation – one that reinforces the role of facts, evidence and scientific integrity in policymaking.
Chemicals and pollution are silent risk multipliers – for climate, biodiversity, water security, health, and economic resilience. Following the example of climate, biodiversity and natural resources, the Panel will help enhance scientific capacity to support policies aimed at reducing pollution at the global level.
The EU is also attending the 12th Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) in Manchester, UK. This independent body provides decision makers with the most comprehensive scientific evidence on nature-related issues. The Plenary is expected to conclude on 8 February by adopting , amongst other decisions, the assessment report of the impact and dependency of business on biodiversity.
Background
Established in June 2025 under the mandate of the United Nations Environment Assembly, the Panel addresses one of the most critical but under-supported pillars of the global environmental agenda.
Pollution is now recognised as a leading threat to planetary and human well-being, yet the global response remains fragmented and uneven. ISP-CWP aims to fill this gap by assessing knowledge, identifying policy options, and catalysing action that is effective, inclusive, and grounded in scientific evidence.
The panel’s establishment aligns closely with EU priorities, including the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, the Zero Pollution Action Plan, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and broader objectives under the Clean Industrial Deal.
By contributing scientific expertise and policy experience, the EU aims to help ensure that the panel’s outputs are robust, inclusive and directly relevant to policymakers.
On 7 January 2026, US President Trump announced through a Presidential Memorandum, the withdrawal of the United States from international organisations, conventions and treaties, including the IPBES and IPCC.
More information
EU to advocate for strong multilateral cooperation at UNEA-7 | European Commission
Global Environment Outlook 7 | UNEP – UN Environment Programme
