The 15th Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) of the Basel Convention is an interim step between BRS COPs, which takes place every two years. This working group helps to develop and monitor the implementation of the Convention’s work plan, specific operational policies and decisions taken by the Conference of the Parties.

The Basel Convention started in 1989 is recognised as the one on hazardous waste, although the key concept of environmentally sound management (ESM) of all waste for the protection of health and the environment is defined therein (Art. 2(8)) and made mandatory for the Parties (Art. 4(2)).

FSWP participation

Through its participation in the working group, the FSWP seeks to identify the most effective levers for action, contribute to discussions and the development of comprehensive roadmaps, and identify topics of interest to Member States. This year, the OEWP will focus in particular on defining textile and plastic waste more precisely in order to better regulate the export of these flows.

During this working group, the FSWP plans to continue its work to mobilise support for the Global Push initiative. The ultimate goal is to enable collaboration between all stakeholders involved in waste and resource management. It appears necessary to create a space for cross-cutting and cross-sectoral discussion on the sustainable management of waste and resources to support the holistic transition to circularity needed to achieve the ultimate goal of decontamination, defossilisation, decoupling economic growth from resource extraction, and the well-being of living beings, .