Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based environmental governance as countries convened in Geneva for the first-ever plenary session of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP), a newly established global body aimed at closing critical gaps between science and policymaking.
The inaugural meeting, taking place from 2 to 6 February 2026 at the Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG), brings together member states to finalize the Panel’s rules of procedure, an essential step toward making the body fully operational. As of 30 January 2026, 127 countries had formally joined the Panel, with several others expressing interest.
Opening the session, UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Inger Andersen described the establishment of the ISP-CWP as a “historic step” toward addressing what she termed a “glaring science-policy gap” on chemicals, waste, and pollution.
“Togetherness will be vital,” Andersen said, emphasizing that multilateralism, science, and cooperation would be central to the Panel’s success.
Pollution Burden Weighing Heavily on Africa
The Panel’s launch comes amid mounting evidence that pollution is one of the most severe yet under-addressed environmental and public health challenges facing Africa.
According to UNEP and World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, air pollution alone contributes to more than one million premature deaths annually across the continent, largely linked to household air pollution, transport emissions, and industrial activity.
Africa is also experiencing one of the fastest growth rates in waste generation globally. Rapid urbanization, limited waste management infrastructure, and rising consumption have intensified challenges related to plastic pollution, hazardous chemicals, and electronic waste.
The continent remains a net recipient of hazardous waste streams, while many countries lack the technical and regulatory capacity to safely manage toxic substances across their lifecycle.
Experts note that despite contributing relatively little to global chemical production, African countries often bear disproportionate environmental and health impacts, making access to credible, policy-relevant scientific evidence critical for effective decision-making.
The ISP-CWP is mandated to provide policymakers with independent, credible scientific assessments on chemicals, waste, and pollution, supporting informed decisions at national, regional, and global levels.
The Panel is expected to play a role similar to other science-policy bodies, helping governments translate complex scientific findings into actionable policies.
Switzerland, the host country, reiterated its support for the Panel’s institutional development. Katrin Schneeberger, Director of the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment, emphasized the need for strong collaboration with universities, scientific networks, and international organizations, while highlighting Geneva’s suitability as a hub for the Panel’s Secretariat.
She assured member states of Switzerland’s commitment to contributing to the Panel’s work, including through capacity-building initiatives.
Kenya’s Position: Science for Sustainable Development
Kenya is participating in the plenary under the leadership of Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno, who also paid a courtesy call on Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, H.E. Fancy Too.
During the engagement, Dr. Ng’eno emphasized Kenya’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation on the sound management of chemicals and waste, and on addressing pollution across its lifecycle.
He emphasized the importance of aligning global scientific evidence with national and regional policy priorities to support sustainable development, protect human health, and safeguard ecosystems, particularly in countries facing rising pollution pressures.
Kenya views the ISP-CWP as a critical mechanism for advancing evidence-based environmental governance, especially for developing countries disproportionately affected by pollution and hazardous waste, the Principal Secretary noted.
Ambassador Fancy Too reaffirmed Kenya’s continued support for multilateral environmental processes, highlighting the strategic role of the Geneva Mission in advancing Kenya’s environmental and climate diplomacy. She assured the delegation of the Mission’s full cooperation during the ISP-CWP plenary and related negotiations.
The meeting was attended by Ambassador James Waweru (Foreign Affairs), Ms. Linda Kosgei (Environment), Mr. Tobias Ogweno (Foreign Affairs), and other senior officials.
Kenya’s participation in the inaugural ISP-CWP plenary reflects its growing leadership in global environmental governance and its commitment to science-driven solutions on chemicals management, waste reduction, and pollution control, in line with national, regional, and international environmental obligations.
