Global Framework On Chemicals (GFC) Fund

• The GFC Fund launched its first project call in late 2024.
• This initiative aims to help developing countries manage chemicals and waste safely and sustainably.
• It was established during the 5th International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) in Bonn, Germany, 2023.

What is the GFC Fund?

• The GFC Fund is a financial mechanism created to support countries—especially low and middle-income countries—in:
  • Managing hazardous chemicals and waste,
  • Adopting safe chemical usage in agriculture and industry,
  • Promoting cleaner technologies and practices.
• It works alongside other global funds, like the Global Environment Facility (GEF), to support environmental goals.

Objectives of the GFC Fund

Financial Support:

• Provides funding (USD 300,000 to 800,000 per project for up to 3 years) to help countries improve chemicals and waste management systems.

Capacity Building:

• Helps nations strengthen their national and regional capabilities to deal with hazardous materials.

Promote Safety Standards:

• Encourages the use of internationally accepted norms for chemical usage and waste disposal.

Circular Economy:

• Supports projects that promote recycling, reuse, and safe disposal of harmful substances to reduce environmental impact.

Governance and Structure

• Managed by an Executive Board consisting of:
  • 2 national representatives from each UN region,
  • Donors and contributors.
• This Board oversees project selection, funding decisions, and overall implementation.

What is the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC)?

• The GFC is a global agreement adopted in 2023 to create a “planet free from harm caused by chemicals and waste.”

Key Features:

• 28 Targets to be achieved by 2030 and 2035.

Includes:

• Elimination of highly hazardous pesticides by 2035.
• Prevention of illegal trade in chemicals and waste.
• Greater transparency in chemical ingredients and risks.
• It encourages all sectors—governments, industry, and civil society—to participate.

First Call for Projects (2024–2025)

• The first application round ran from October 2024 to January 2025.

Eligible applicants:

• National governments of developing countries
• Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
• Civil society groups (with government approval)

Selection Criteria:

• Alignment with GFC objectives
• Gender equality, inclusion
• Long-term impact and local ownership
• Co-funding (25% contribution required)

Global Examples of Chemical Safety Initiatives

• SAICM (Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management)
• A voluntary international policy for safe chemical management across sectors.

Basel Convention

• Regulates cross-border movement and disposal of hazardous waste.

Stockholm Convention

• Aims to eliminate persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that harm health and the environment.

Importance for India and the World

• India, being a rapidly developing economy, generates significant industrial and agricultural waste.
• Learning from GFC practices can help India:
  • Improve toxic waste management,
  • Promote green chemistry,
  • Align with global sustainability goals (like SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production).