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News
SIP fourth-round roundtable strengthens collaboration among implementing partners
On 18 June 2026, the Minamata Convention Secretariat convened the first online roundtable for implementing partners of projects approved under the fourth round of the SIP.
From the Executive Secretary
Call for Information on Supply Sources and Trade
I am pleased to inform you that, in response to COP-6 decision MC-6/1 on supply sources and trade and thanks to the financial support of the European Union, the Secretariat of the Minamata Conventi
Highlights
UNEP story: UNEP and GEF kick off global initiative to strengthen monitoring of toxic chemicals and mercury
Learn more about the Global Chemicals Monitoring Programme (GCMP), a US$23.5 million initiative by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Minamata Online
Upcoming deadlines and events in preparation for COP-7
The session focused on upcoming deadlines and events in preparation for the seventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-7).
Newsletter
Minamata Convention updates: June newsletter
Learn more about the Secretariat’s participation in the GEF Assembly and Council meeting, the upcoming Minamata Online session in preparation for COP-7, and more.
News
Minamata Convention Secretariat brings mercury priorities to GEF Assembly high-level roundtables on 2030 goals and accelerated delivery
Executive Secretary Monika Stankiewicz joined two roundtables at the Eighth GEF Assembly on 4 June, calling for front-loaded mercury programming and stronger integration across focal areas.
Statement
Statement: Monika Stankiewicz at the 8th GEF Assembly
Statement delivered by Monika Stankiewicz, Executive Secretary, at the Eighth Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 30 May to 6 June 2026.
Highlights
IISD-ENB video: Countries united at the 71st Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council meeting
Watch the Earth Negotiations Bulletin video on the 71st GEF Council meeting, featuring Executive Secretary Monika Stankiewicz and other representatives of the global environmental community.
News
Minamata Convention calls for greater integration of mercury action in biodiversity and climate efforts at GEF meetings
The Minamata Convention Secretariat participates in the 71st Council and Eighth Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 30 May to 6 June 2026.
About the Minamata Convention
The Minamata Convention on Mercury is the most recent global agreement on environment and health, adopted in 2013. It is named after the bay in Japan where, in the mid-20th century, mercury-tainted industrial wastewater poisoned thousands of people, leading to severe health damage that became known as the "Minamata disease."
Since it entered into force on 16 August 2017, Parties have been working together to control the mercury supply and trade, reduce the use, emission and release of mercury, raise public awareness, and build the necessary institutional capacity to #MakeMercuryHistory