Kenya backs inaugural global panel on chemicals, waste and pollution in Geneva

Kenya’s delegation is led by the Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Eng. Festus Ng’eno.

Ahead of the opening of the plenary, the delegation on Sunday paid a courtesy call on Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Fancy Too, at the Embassy offices, where officials briefed her on Kenya’s position.

During the engagement, Ng’eno said Kenya remains committed to strengthening international cooperation on the sound management of chemicals and waste, and to addressing pollution across its lifecycle.

He also underscored the importance of aligning global scientific evidence with national and regional policy priorities to support sustainable development, protect human health and safeguard ecosystems.

The ISP-CWP is a newly established, independent intergovernmental body mandated to enhance the global science-policy interface on chemicals, waste and pollution.

The panel is expected to bridge the gap between science and policy by providing policymakers with credible, policy-relevant scientific assessments to support decision-making at national, regional and global levels.

Ng’eno said Kenya views the panel as a key mechanism for advancing evidence-based environmental governance, particularly for developing countries that face disproportionate impacts from pollution and hazardous waste.

Addressing the delegation, Ambassador Too reaffirmed Kenya’s support for multilateral environmental processes and said the Geneva Mission plays a strategic role in advancing Kenya’s environmental and climate diplomacy.

She further assured the delegation of the Mission’s cooperation during the ISP-CWP P1 plenary and related negotiations.

Also present during the briefing were Ambassador James Waweru of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Linda Kosgei of the Ministry of Environment, and Mr. Tobias Ogweno from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, among other senior officials.

Ng’eno said Kenya’s participation in the inaugural plenary reflects its commitment to science-driven solutions on chemicals management, waste reduction and pollution control, in line with national, regional and international environmental obligations.

The first session of the plenary is scheduled to run from February 2 to 6, 2026.