Geneva, February 3, 2026 – In a strategic effort to ensure stability amid turbulent times for global cooperation, the European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to science-based multilateralism during the inaugural plenary session of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution (ISP-CWP). Convening this week in Geneva, this new panel aims to fill a long-standing gap in international environmental governance by serving as a definitive authority on pollution.
The ISP-CWP’s first plenary meeting is pivotal in operationalizing this independent scientific body focused on chemicals and waste management. Comissioner Jessika Roswall emphasized that effective solutions require shared evidence and transparency, contrasting the EU’s approach with the recent withdrawal of the United States from several international treaties. This new panel joins the ranks of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), thereby completing the quartet of global scientific and policy institutions dedicated to environmental matters.
The establishment of the ISP-CWP is viewed as the final piece of the puzzle in shaping global environmental policy. This initiative aligns with existing organizations such as the IPCC and the IPBES, as well as the International Resource Panel (IRP), to create a robust system of scientific support for policymakers. Its mission includes providing authoritative assessments across the entire lifecycle of chemicals and materials, particularly concerning their impacts on health, ecosystems, and climate resilience. These assessments are expected to be vital for ongoing negotiations, like those surrounding the Global Plastics Treaty.
The EU’s strong support for this initiative starkly contrasts with the recent shifts in U.S. policy. On January 7, 2026, U.S. President Trump announced the country’s withdrawal from multiple international organizations and agreements, including the IPBES and the IPCC. In light of these developments, Commissioner Roswall stated, “In turbulent times for global cooperation, the EU chooses continuity, credibility, and science. Pollution, hazardous chemicals, and waste do not respect borders, and the EU remains firmly committed to bolstering global solutions grounded in scientific evidence.”
Simultaneously, the EU is participating in the 12th Plenary Session of the IPBES in Manchester, UK, highlighting its strategy to position itself as a leading advocate for scientific integrity within global policymaking. This dual engagement underscores a concerted effort by the EU to enhance its role on the global stage while maintaining a steadfast commitment to environmental issues.
As the ISP-CWP begins its work, it embarks on a critical journey to guide international action on pollution and chemicals. With scientific assessments that are grounded in rigorous research, the panel aims to inform policymakers and promote effective strategies to tackle these pressing challenges. The importance of a coordinated global response has never been clearer, and as the world grapples with growing environmental crises, the role of science in shaping sustainable policies will be indispensable.
In summary, the European Union’s establishment of the ISP-CWP represents a significant step forward in the global fight against pollution and environmental degradation. It highlights the EU’s firm dedication to multilateralism and science-based solutions, setting a precedent for future international collaborations in addressing critical environmental issues.