To prepare for the upcoming COP (Conference of the Parties) under the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions, the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO) held a virtual high-level meeting.
The meeting, organised in partnership with the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), was aimed at making Asia’s voice stronger in global efforts to manage toxic chemicals and hazardous waste.
Held on Tuesday, the event—titled “Breaking the Toxic Chain”—brought together government officials, scientists, policy experts, and civil society actors to address regional challenges around hazardous waste and toxic chemical pollution.
Dr Fahmida Khanom, additional secretary (Environment Wing) at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), opened the session with a strong call to action.
“We must work together to reduce pollution from hazardous chemical waste to conserve our biodiversity and food security.”
Siddika Sultana, executive director of ESDO, emphasised Asia’s disproportionate burden.
“Asia bears a significant burden of toxic pollution, yet our voice remains underrepresented in global forums. This briefing is a call for united regional advocacy and decisive action.”
Key policy priorities for COP 2025 were outlined by Sara Anwar Tethy, Research and Policy Associate at ESDO.
Her recommendations included strengthening enforcement of bans on toxic waste trade, listing new hazardous chemicals under the Stockholm Convention, enhancing regional cooperation on persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and promoting a toxic-free, circular economy.
Representing IPEN, Tripti Arora, South Asia Hub and Gender Coordinator, noted: “Asia is a major hub for chemical production and use. We need stronger waste management systems, effective regulation, and gender-responsive policies.”
She reaffirmed IPEN’s global commitment through its network of over 600 NGOs across 123 countries.