The ninth meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG-9) of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal took place from 16-19 September in Geneva, Switzerland. In total, 267 participants attended the meeting, including 103 parties, 9 representatives of intergovernmental organizations, and 37 representatives of non-governmental organizations and industry. OEWG-9 adopted decisions on, inter alia: technical guidelines for persistent organic pollutants (POP) and mercury wastes, as well as electrical and electronic waste; a glossary of terms to provide legal clarity; and national reporting. Many of the decisions taken have implications for intersessional work leading to the twelfth meeting of the Basel Convention’s Conference of the Parties (COP-12) in May 2015.

In preparation for COP-12, the OEWG-9 advanced work on technical guidelines, legal matters and other issues to facilitate progress at COP-12. OEWG-9 was also asked to consider its own future working arrangements.

More information here or email mijke.hertoghs@unep.org