Stakeholders gather to start negotiating global mercury accord

The first negotiating meeting for a global agreement to limit use of mercury has begun in Stockholm. The first session of the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee runs from 7-11 June. The Nordic Council of Ministers, which is hosting the meeting, has issued a statement saying it will continue to push the agenda and pave the way for the ratification of an ambitious global mercury agreement in 2013 (CW 20 February 2009).

It states: “The Nordic countries have a common view of the mercury problem. We have acted forcefully in the global arena, helping the countries of the world to agree in 2009 to instigate negotiations about a binding global agreement on limiting the use of mercury. The UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) is responsible for the initiative.” Nordic countries may have limited or banned the use of mercury but a global solution is needed to the problem, the Council says.

• UNEP statement
• Nordic Council statement