Guidance on the Scope of the Global Framework on Chemicals Fund

About this Event

The Global Framework on Chemicals Fund launched its first call for applications on 1 October 2024. The Fund aims to support countries in implementing this international agreement that guides countries and stakeholders in jointly addressing the lifecycle of chemicals, including products and waste.

The Fund provides financial support of 300,000 to 800,000 USD for an implementation period of up to three years. Governments from developing countries, Small Island Developing States, and countries with economies in transition can apply for funding, as can civil society networks, subject to an agreement with the respective government. The Fund also encourages regional or multi-country applications.

The first of two online events aims to inform applicants about the Global Framework of Chemicals as well as the eligibility criteria for applying for funding. Applicants are encouraged to join to find out more about the application process. In addition to the webinar, the guidance document on the scope of the Fund provides interested applicants with concise information about the fund’s strategic priorities and application eligibility. It is available in English, French and Spanish.

The event took place in the morning in English only. In the afternoon it will be held in English with simultaneous translations into French and Spanish. Access to the translated webinar will be provided through a separate link on the Framework’s website.

Presenting the Global Framework on Chemicals Fund’s First Call for Applications Event Series

The Global Framework on Chemicals is hosting a two-events series to introduce the GFC Fund First Call for Applications. The second event of the series will take place on 30 October 2024 from 10:00 to 11:15 CET and will present Guidelines on Completing the Application for the Global Framework on Chemicals Fund.

Speakers

Highlights

Video

Live on Webex.

Summary

Opening

Jacqueline ALVAREZ | Chief, Chemicals and Health Branch, UNEP

• UNEP is thrilled by the adoption of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) in September 2023.
• Today marks the first launch of the Global Framework on Chemicals Fund, allowing you to explore what’s possible in your country and understand the steps needed. Within a year, the projects you are designing now will be ready to make a tangible impact in your country.
• While the fund is currently at 28 million dollars, the goal is to scale up this funding significantly together.
• The GFC Fund is focusing on high-impact projects, guided by the strategic objectives of the framework, tailored to meet your country’s specific needs.
• Our mission is to leverage transformative changes, scaling up programs essential for everyone.
• By 2030 and 2035, the GFC aims to demonstrate that it is making a measurable difference, capturing essential changes through these initiatives.

Global Framework on Chemicals Fund: An Overview

Kay WILLIAMS | Head, Global Framework on Chemicals

Overview of the Global Framework on Chemicals

• Adopted last September, this framework includes five strategic objectives and 28 targets, agreed upon by stakeholders across sectors.
• The Bonn Declaration, adopted alongside the framework, demonstrates strong commitment from high-level officials, ministers, and heads of delegation to take action on chemical management as the third pillar of the triple planetary crisis.
• A Global Framework on Chemicals Fund was also established with an initial amount of twenty-eight million US dollars to support these efforts.

Five Strategic Objectives

1. Developing robust legal frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and capacity building.
2. Ensuring accessible and available data for stakeholders, enabling informed decision-making.
3. Identifying and prioritizing issues of concern.
4. Advancing sustainable, innovative solutions for safer alternatives along the value chain.
5. Enhancing implementation through effective resource mobilization and partnerships.

On the 28 Targets

• Among the 28 targets, one focuses on countries having context-appropriate legal frameworks for safe and sustainable chemical management.
• Other targets emphasize transparency along the value chain, requiring companies to disclose information on hazardous chemicals and promoting collaboration across sectors like health, labor, climate change, and biodiversity.

Resolutions and Implementation Activities

• Implementation efforts have involved the IOMC and other stakeholders through co-created programs, including surveys and webinars, to bring in sectors not traditionally involved in chemical management.
• An ad hoc open-ended working group is progressing on developing measurable indicators, with the next meeting set for November 13, aiming to refine existing indicators and establish new ones to track progress.
• Finance plays a crucial role, not only in addressing chemical management challenges but also in enabling the financial sector to make sustainable choices regarding environmentally harmful chemicals.
• The Food and Agriculture Organization is actively leading efforts on highly hazardous pesticides, pushing to establish a Global Alliance to tackle this pressing issue impacting many nations.
• Progress is also underway on a gender action plan, with input from stakeholders to ensure an inclusive approach in the upcoming stages.

Road to the First Conference

• As we approach the First Conference under the GFC, the Fund’s launch on October 1 opens up application opportunities, with the executive board set to review applications in March next year.
• The open-ended working group for the GFC will convene in Nairobi from 23 to 27 June 2025, aiming to shape an inclusive agenda that advances on-the-ground implementation of the GFC’s vision.

Global Framework on Chemicals Fund

Rebecca CHUDASKA | Global Framework on Chemicals Secretariat

For more details, kindly consult the presentation or the GFC website.

Fund Overview & Governance Mechanism – Executive Board

• The first round of applications opened on 1 October 2024, and the application period will close on 31 January 2025. So far, the fund has received contributions and pledges totaling approximately USD 28 million and remains open for additional contributions.
• Governance of the fund is through an Executive Board that represents all UN regions, as well as donors and contributors. The Board will reconvene in March to review applications.

Strategic Priorities of the Fund

The Executive Board has identified strategic priorities aligned with resolution 5/8:

• Strengthening national and regional capacities: This involves promoting the development, implementation, and enforcement of national policies, strategies, and regulatory frameworks.
• Safe and sustainable management: Programs that manage chemicals and waste safely and sustainably within economic and industrial sectors along the value chain.
• Securing funding: Unlocking and securing financial resources necessary for the management of chemicals and waste.
• Enhancing cooperation and coordination: Increasing collaboration among those responsible for implementing international agreements and programs on chemicals.
• Addressing issues of concern and cross-cutting themes: Linking the chemicals agenda with climate and biodiversity issues.

Minimum Application Criteria

• All project proposals must align with the GFC’s vision, objectives, and targets.
• Proposals should demonstrate a long-term capacity to support chemicals and waste management at national, regional, and international levels.
• A sustainable financing mechanism is also required, including a plan to maintain sustainability after funding from the Global Framework on Chemicals ends.
• Projects must achieve at least 25% co-financing, which can include in-kind contributions (e.g., staff accommodation, office space, and other operational costs).
• Proposals should create synergies with current projects, not duplicate existing programs.

Desirable Application Criteria

• The Board encourages high-impact projects aligned with the priorities of UNEA Resolution 5/8.
• Proposals should build on or complement previous initiatives, involve large-scale efforts or regional centers, and ideally serve as models for best practices in the applicant’s region.
• High-impact projects are expected to involve significant economic and industrial players, as well as civil society and non-economic sectors.
• Proposals should also aim for sustainable financing, with linkages to the private and finance sectors to integrate chemicals management in their decision-making and reporting standards.

Eligible Applicants

• Priority is given to governments from developing countries, least-developed countries, small island developing states, and countries with economies in transition. These governments must formally recognize the Global Framework on Chemicals.
• Civil society networks can apply exceptionally if they have support from their national focal points.
• Regional and multi-country applications are welcome, provided they are managed by a single country.

Funding and Project Duration

• The Fund provides financing of USD 300,000 – 800,000 per project proposal. Projects may run up to three years, though shorter proposals are encouraged if feasible.
• Co-financing of at least 25%, including in-kind contributions, is required.

Multi-stakeholder and Multi-sectoral Approach

• Projects are encouraged to adopt a multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral approach. Stakeholders from health, environment, finance, labor, agriculture, and related sectors must be actively engaged. Applications should outline how these sectors are involved and, if possible, include letters of support from these stakeholders.

Application Process for Regional Projects

• Each multi-country or regional application must identify a lead applicant, who will serve as the primary contact. The lead applicant will sign the legal agreement and be responsible for managing and coordinating the project with other co-applicants. Lead applicants must clearly describe their engagement and coordination plans for co-applicants in their applications.

Additional Information and Submission

• Detailed guidance documents on the fund’s scope and application guidelines are available on the Global Framework on Chemicals website. All applicants will use the same application form, which requires project descriptions, budgets, and letters of support from national focal points and project partners.
• The deadline for applications is 31 January 2025. After that, the secretariat will review applications and forward them to the executive board for decisions in mid-March. The goal is to begin signing contracts by mid-2024.

Q&A with the GFC Secretariat

• Has the GFC Fund already received any applications?
  No, there have been no applications received so far. The call for applications opened only four weeks ago. Interest has been shown by several colleagues and focal points who are planning to submit, so there is clear interest. Those who are interested are encouraged to reach out as early as possible with any questions about the application process. It’s advised not to wait until January.
• Are funds available for all types of chemical waste disposal?
  Yes, the Global Framework on Chemicals is a comprehensive framework, aiming for systemic change across the lifecycle of chemicals, including waste management. It seeks to systemize chemicals management from a broader perspective, which includes waste and promotes projects with high regional impact.
• Can countries apply for more than one project?
  Yes, multiple projects can be submitted by a country, provided each project has the support of the national focal point. Coordinating proposals is advised to ensure alignment and mutual support among projects. Additionally, a multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder approach is encouraged, which could mean merging proposals where possible.
• Must applications be routed through the national government?
  Yes, the national focal point in the government must sign applications. However, stakeholders have the option to send applications directly to the Secretariat.
• Can applications be submitted via UN agencies?
  UN agencies cannot apply directly but can issue letters of support for eligible applicants.
• Will multiple applications from a single country affect funding allocation?
  No restrictions have been set based on the number of applications from a country. The focus is on the quality of applications and adherence to criteria.
• Is it permissible for a country currently implementing a project to apply for another?
  Yes, ongoing projects do not prevent additional applications.
• Is there scope for public-private partnership projects?
  Public-private partnership projects can apply, though specifics may vary by partnership type. For tailored advice, applicants should contact the Secretariat directly to avoid misunderstandings.
• Can projects cover multiple strategic objectives?
  Yes, project proposals can address more than one strategic objective and several targets, given the broad scope of the framework’s objectives.
• Who signs the project proposals?
  The project agency in collaboration with the national government typically serves as the lead signatory.
• Can low-income countries apply to improve laboratory equipment and standards?
  Laboratory equipment and standards are eligible within certain limits. A small amount of funding is allocated for equipment, but it’s crucial that it aligns with the project’s sustainability narrative.
• Is twenty percent co-financing required?
  Co-financing can include public-private partnerships or in-kind contributions, such as staff time or operational expenses outside the fund’s coverage.
• For regional projects, can regional entities apply, or must applications come from governments?
  A country’s national focal point must support the lead applicant. Unique arrangements can be clarified with the Secretariat via email.
• How does the Global Framework avoid duplicating BRS activities?
  The Framework collaborates closely with the BRS Secretariat to ensure complementary actions. Applicants should outline any existing projects and describe how their work aligns and supports other activities.
• Will the fund cover training on waste and incinerators or setting up hazardous waste disposal facilities?
  Depending on the project’s context and relevance to the Framework’s goals, training and infrastructure for hazardous waste disposal could qualify. Emphasis is placed on projects with high impact and alignment with the global framework’s objectives.
• If a government designates an organization for project delivery, will that organization sign the funding agreement?
  Yes, the designated organization can sign the agreement.
• Is English required for documentation?
  Applications must be submitted in English, though support materials and guidelines are available in French and Spanish.
• How much funding is allocated for management and overhead costs?
  Projects should limit operating costs to five percent of the total budget.
• Can industry engagement be prioritized for countries with serious waste issues?
  New approaches to industry engagement are welcome, especially when aligned with a multi-sectoral, multi-stakeholder narrative in the application.
• Can Basel Convention Centers apply for original projects?
  Basel and Stockholm Convention regional centers may apply, supported by a national government.
• Are taxes like VAT and general sales tax covered in budgets?
  The specifics of tax coverage will be addressed in a later session, scheduled for the next day.
• Is there a limit to the number of countries involved in a project?
  No, but funding distribution may limit the practicality of including many countries. Applicants should consider fund allocation carefully to ensure fair distribution across participating countries.
• Is it required for similar project applications within a country to be coordinated?
  Yes, the national focal point should connect and coordinate similar applications to demonstrate strong commitment and prevent duplication.
• Do academic institutions need to go through focal points?
  Academic institutions are eligible as part of civil society networks, pending documentation review, and must approach their national focal point.
• Can chemical practice education and urgent response be included?
  Activities are evaluated based on their relevance to the Global Framework’s objectives. Applications should clarify how proposed activities contribute to project outputs and broader impacts.

Closing

• The amount of questions received is welcomed, underscoring a commitment to addressing each one.
• For any unclear responses, the team will verify details and include them in the FAQ document for future reference.
• The inaugural year with the fund marks a learning process, with the Secretariat committed to providing accurate information and guidance.

Documents

• Global Framework on Chemicals Fund Frequently asked question for the first round of applications | November 2024
• Presentations made during the event
• Guidance document on the scope of the Fund in English 
• Guidance document on the scope of the Fund in French
• Guidance document on the scope of the Fund in Spanish
• Application guidelines in English
• Applications guidelines in French
• Application guidelines in Spanish

Links

• Global Framework on Chemicals Website 
• New fund to support chemicals and waste management in developing economies | UNEP | 1 October 2024