I would like to highlight that now that the OEWG has finalized a complete package of texts necessary for the establishment of the panel, it is the responsibility of the Intergovernmental Meeting – in accordance with its mandate – to consider and adopt these outcomes.

In this context, I understand that the Foundational Document does have certain bracketed text. I would like to recall that other founding documents – for example that of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) – had bracketed text when created. This does not preclude adoption. 

What is clear is that this panel is needed. This is very clear from our time here in Punta del Este, where you have worked exceedingly hard and shown that you too believe that this panel is really important. This panel will bridge science and knowledge and policy in a broad sense without being prescriptive. And it will fill a longstanding gap, which is why Member States set up in this space back at UNEA in 2022.

As I said on Sunday, there is no more time left. Every year without a strong global scientific body is another year in which many countries lack access to the best peer-reviewed science on chemicals, waste and pollution – and therefore our struggle to manage pollution will continue to spiral.

This new panel will provide a critical link, making science available to those who want and need it. The proposals for the panel submitted by the OEWG will allow for broad thinking on how chemical, waste and pollution issues can be addressed, factoring in economic and business realities and provide space for all communities, Indigenous Peoples, science, business and other stakeholders. 

However, let me reiterate that this panel will not set prescriptive policy. Policy is made at the national level. It will simply provide the best-available science so that governments can set their own path based on their own national contexts. That is what we have seen in Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which provides us with the latest science on climate change, and that is what we have seen in the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which provides us with the latest science on biodiversity and ecosystem services. 

This panel will be trusted and independent. The panel will be forward looking. The panel will serve the world. The panel will be inclusive. The panel will have an authoritative voice. And the panel will understand how we can better protect our environment for people and for planet. 

So, the time is now. Negotiators have worked incredibly hard. Two nights ago working until 6am in the morning, determined to hammer out an agreement. I salute and thank you all.  

So, now it is up to you. 

This is the moment to prioritize what the world needs,

This is the moment to deliver on the promise made at UNEA.

This is the moment to capitalize on the current momentum.

This is the moment to establish this panel. 

So, when you do this – and I do say when – you will have the opportunity to make history during this meeting. 

I encourage you all not to let this moment slip by.