Statement delivered by the CPSP and CEJAD at the Open-Ended Working Group, Global Framework on Chemicals, Uruguay

Thank you, Co-Chair.

I speak on behalf of the Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention (CPSP), University of Edinburgh, UK and Centre for Environment Justice and Development (CEJAD).

We welcome the adoption of the Global Framework on Chemicals and fully support its inclusive, multisectoral and multi-stakeholder approach.

We would particularly like to highlight the good progress made by FAO and the IOMC, in developing the operational framework for the Global Alliance on Highly Hazardous Pesticides.

We recognize the efforts made in capturing the key elements, vital for sustainable and effective delivery of the expected outcome of the Alliance and affirm our strong support for moving forward with the operationalization of the Alliance without further delay.

Globally over a 150,000 people continue to die, annually, because of HHP poisoning. Most of these deaths are because of intentional poisoning.

WHO’s recent report has raised concerns about possibly not meeting the 2030 sustainable development goal [SDG] target reducing suicides by 1/3rd and urged urgent global action. This makes the Global Alliance on HHPs even more vital to the achievement of Target A7 of the GFC, as the WHO recommends restricting access to HHPs as a cost-effective suicide prevention policy.

The Alliance must serve as the global mechanism to facilitate the identification of HHPs, support knowledge exchange, build capacity for informed and scientifically sound decision making on addressing HHPs, and promote safer alternatives.

We also would like to emphasize adequate representation from LMICs in both the interim steering committee and the advisory council.

We urge the OEWG to agree on a concrete work plan in 2025 to ensure that the Alliance is fully operational and able to report progress at the first International Conference in 2026.

We also encourage member states and partners to formally express their intention to join the Alliance, and to commit financial and technical support to its success, including through the proposed GFC fund.

We, look forward to working with all stakeholders in this process and reiterate our commitment to contribute to delivering the outcomes of the GFC, and in particular the Global Alliance on HHPs.

We also look forward to making any substantive contribution to the document on Global Alliance for HHPs during the upcoming lunchtime event.

Thank you, Co-Chair.

Shweta Dabholkar,

Project and Policy Officer

Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention, University of Edinburgh