Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent chemical compounds that were extensively applied in industrial and consumer products for several decades. Due to their carcinogenic properties, their production has been banned internationally since 2001, with steps for the use and disposal of current stocks. PCBs were widely used in cutting oils, lubricants, and as electrical insulators in transformers and capacitors. They were also commonly used as flame retardants, dyes, adhesives, and pesticide additives in various applications. Due to their extensive use, toxicity and environmental and health hazards, PCBs are noted as a hazardous pollutant alongside arsenic, lead, and mercury. Although their production has been banned, PCBs can still be found all around us. The 2025 (phase out of use) and 2028 (elimination) goals of the Stockholm Convention promote and encourage the safe management of PCBs.

The sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (BC COP-16), the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention (RC COP-11) and the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (SC COP-11) were held in Geneva, Switzerland under the theme: Accelerating action: targets for the sound management of chemicals and waste. Over 2000 delegates from around the globe gathered in Geneva for two weeks, from 1 – 12 May. The COPs was a good opportunity to mobilize all sectors, actors, and countries to reflect on progress in the sound management of chemicals and waste and how to accelerate efforts towards the attainment of various targets.

On 8 June 2023, the SGP hosted a webinar event entitled Local Action for Sustainable Management of POPs including PCBs to highlight the critical role of local actors in the sustainable management of PCBs, and facilitate learning and sharing among stakeholders on best practices to accelerate action towards the realization of the upcoming 2025 and 2028 PCB deadlines under the Stockholm Convention. Nearly 60 people joined the webinar event from all around the world. SGP’s Global Manager, Ms. Yoko Watanabe moderated the event, with opening remarks from Dr. Rolph Antoine Payet, UN Executive Secretary for the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions. Dr. Rayet’s opening remarks touched upon the importance of sharing information on the best environmental practices and the role of SGP, towards addressing chemicals and waste challenges. Rolph encouraged the SGP team to link up with focal points of the three conventions in various countries to explore further opportunities for collaboration. Watch the recording HERE.

SGP’s brochure on PCBs was also launched at the event and can be accessed HERE.

A panel discussion included stakeholders from civil society organizations. The first speaker, Mr. Diagal Wisnu Pamungkas, Chair of the Indonesia Dragonfly Society, talked about the importance of using Dragonfly Biotic Index to monitor environmental quality and to create awareness. Using a case study from Indonesia, he showed how the Dragonfly Biotic Index simplifies complex environmental information, helping to create awareness at the community level. This was followed by a presentation by Mr. Andrei Pinihin, Chairman, Pablic Association Green Economy – Belarus. Mr Pinihin’s presentation focused on how to improve various stakeholders’ knowledge and capacity to ensure safe packaging, transportation, and disposal of hazardous wastes particularly PCBs. Mr. Ram Charitra Sah, Executive Director and Environment Scientist, Center for Public Health and Environmental Development talked about the benefits of awareness raising, capacity building and advocacy in policy development, and the safe management of PCBs in Nepal. The last speaker, Dr. Gilbert Kuepouo, Coordinator/Executive Director of CREPD (Centre de Recherche et d'Education pour le Développement), highlighted the importance of awareness raising and the need to involve grassroot communities in chemicals and PCB management. All presentations and discussions highlighted the need for further research, awareness raising, capacity building and collaboration to accelerate action to meet the objective of the BRS conventions to protect human health and the environment. The presentations are available HERE.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Kasper Koefoed-Hansen, UNDP’s Regional Technical Advisor on Chemicals and Waste in Latin America and the Caribbean, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for participating in the webinar and for their efforts towards sound management of chemicals and waste. Mr. Koefoed-Hansen mentioned that further action is required by all stakeholders to contribute towards the realization of the upcoming 2025 and 2028 PCB deadlines under the Stockholm Convention. Together, we can make a tangible difference in PCB management and build a cleaner, healthier future for generations to come.