The Global Framework on Chemicals Fund has approved its first projects to help countries tackle pressing challenges in chemicals and waste management. The move marks a major step forward in global efforts to reduce chemical-related harms, which contribute to more than 2 million premature deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization.
Adopted at the Fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management in 2023, the Global Framework on Chemicals is a voluntary, multi-stakeholder international framework aimed at advancing the safe and sustainable management of chemicals and waste across all sectors. Anchored by five strategic objectives and 28 measurable targets, the framework provides countries and stakeholders with a shared platform for action and accountability.
The Global Framework on Chemicals Fund was created to provide catalytic support for national and regional implementation of the framework, particularly in developing countries. It launched with an initial pledge of US$28 million, and its first call for applications in October 2024 offered grants ranging from US$300,000 to US$800,000 for projects with implementation periods of up to three years.
The response was strong: 105 applications from 77 countries were submitted, demonstrating high global demand for financial and technical support to strengthen chemicals management.
Following a rigorous evaluation process, four regional projects have now been approved, benefiting 11 countries across Latin America and Africa. These projects focus on strengthening national chemicals legislation, implementing the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, and reducing risks from highly hazardous pesticides.
The following are the formal names of the approved projects.
- Colombia and Peru – “Strengthening Industrial Chemicals Management through Regional Cooperation: Action Plans, Legislation, IT Systems and Capacity Building”
- El Salvador and Honduras – “Strengthening Capacities to Implement the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals in El Salvador and Honduras”
- Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Senegal – “Highly Hazardous Pesticides: Analysis, Regulation and Sustainable Alternatives”
- Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania – “Building Capacity for Replacing Highly Hazardous Pesticides with Agroecology”
“These projects represent a strong first step in turning the Global Framework on Chemicals into action,” said Kay Williams, Head of the Global Framework on Chemicals Secretariat. “They reflect the potential of targeted support – rooted in national needs and regional collaboration – to help countries strengthen legislation, improve safety and protect lives.”
A second call for applications is expected later in 2025, with lessons from the pilot round, including enhancing guidance and a streamlined application process. Governments, civil society organizations and other stakeholders are encouraged to apply.
About the Global Framework on Chemicals
The Global Framework on Chemicals is a voluntary multistakeholder and multisectoral international framework that supports countries and stakeholders in developing and implementing solutions for the safe and sustainable management of chemicals and waste. It is coordinated by the GFC Secretariat, hosted under the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).