Regional Workshop on the Ratification of the Rotterdam Convention Successfully kicked off

BAKU — FAO Azerbaijan Partnership and Liaison Office in Azerbaijan is pleased to announce the successful launch of a critical regional workshop in Baku, Azerbaijan. This event supported the efforts of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan in becoming a party to the Rotterdam Convention.

The regional workshop, which will be held from July 4-6, 2023, afocuses on the needs identified through extensive online consultations held in 2022 and informal requests received from several non- The Rotterdam Convention Parties in the region. The event aimes to facilitate dialogue and build capacity towards the ratification and implementation of the Rotterdam Convention amongst these non-Party countries.

"The Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and FAO are officially carrying out activities on the preparation of national action plans and strategies, including the promotion of sustainable development of agriculture and rural areas. Today's meeting also serves as an important platform for promoting this cooperation." Bariz Mehdiyev, deputy head of FAO's Partnership and Coordination Office in Azerbaijan, said in his opening speech.

Bariz Mehdiyev emphasized the successful implementation of the GEF-funded "Lifecycle Management of Pesticides and Disposal of POPs Pesticides in CA countries, Azerbaijan and Turkiye ",which has contributed to the reduction of persistent organic pollutants and other obsolete pesticides, which pose a high risk to public health and the environment, as well as to the strengthening of the legal and institutional framework in this area.

The RC Secretariat appreciates the cooperation of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan for co-hosting this high-level event.

The Rotterdam Convention's ultimate goal is to protect human health and the environment from potential hazards of certain chemicals and pesticides involved in international trade. It is a legally binding international instrument jointly administered by FAO and UNEP.

While the Convention doesn't ban any chemicals or pesticides, it promotes an information-sharing process to enable its Parties to make informed decisions about future imports of potentially hazardous substances. It supports transparency in international trade, encourages harmonized labelling, and fosters the necessary infrastructure and capacity for safely managing chemicals. In line with the FAO's Strategic Framework 2022-31, the work of the Rotterdam Convention is integral in transitioning to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems by 2030.

The Secretariat provides continual support to Parties in all aspects of implementation, offering technical assistance, arranging face-to-face meetings, workshops, and providing assistance to projects focused on the safe management of hazardous chemicals. This comprehensive support has a significant impact on the global network, bolstering regional cooperation, and fostering synergies between various conventions.

The workshop serves as an essential platform for collaboration and capacity building, marking an important milestone in the journey towards broader ratification of the Rotterdam Convention in the region.