The first Plenary of the newly established Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP) (2-6 February 2026, Geneva, Switzerland,) ended without adopting an agenda, rules of procedure (RoP), or any key operational decisions, including the location of the Secretariat, establishment of a trust fund, or dates for the next meeting. The Panel was created to bridge critical gaps between scientific knowledge and policy action on the growing global risks posed by chemicals, waste, and pollution: issues that cost the global economy trillions annually. However, the inaugural session procedural deadlock overshadowed the urgent scientific and policy challenges the Panel was designed to address.
For developing countries, the ISP-CWP holds significant promise, including access to scientific knowledge, capacity-building support, and early warning systems for emerging pollution threats. However, the first plenary revealed several challenges. Procedural disagreements, such as whether Heads of State should sign credentials or whether observer participation (including Indigenous Peoples and local communities) should be heavily restricted, risk excluding developing country experts and civil society. Moreover, without agreed rules, decisions on Secretariat location and trust fund modalities, remain unresolved. Developing countries also face uneven representation in contested Bureau elections, as seen in the Eastern European Group. Nevertheless, opportunities remain: a resumed session is planned, and the Bureau (80 per cent elected) can drive intersessional work. Developing countries can use this pause to build coalitions, advocate for simplified procedures, and ensure capacity-building functions are prioritised once rules are finalised.
Arab countries, many of which participated actively, face specific strategic considerations. First, the region has a strong interest in a rules-based, transparent Panel that avoids politicisation, especially given the rapid industrialisation and chemical production growth expected by 2030. Second, Arab countries should prepare for the resumed session by clarifying their position on observer participation and the role of science versus politics; and ensuring that the trust fund operates in an efficient and fair manner. Aligning with other developing countries on simplified accreditation and annual meeting rhythms may help break the current deadlock and allow the ISP-CWP to begin delivering on its vital mandate.
