International Intervensions

Executive Director of ESDO, Ms. Siddika Sultana, represented the Asian region as Director of the Asian Center for Environmental Health and Vice President (Asia), World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry. She also represented Bangladesh and presented the country’s progress and priorities for phasing out dental amalgam at the WHO South-East Asia...

At the 15th Meeting of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG-15) of the Basel Convention, ESDO Executive Director Siddika Sultana underscored the critical importance of the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure as a cornerstone of the Convention’s protective framework. The Basel Convention plays a vital role in safeguarding countries, particularly developing...

Today at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.3) in Geneva, governments from around the world chose a new Chair to lead the global plastics treaty process: A crucial rebuilding moment for negotiations aimed at ending the plastic pollution crisis. Ambassador Julio Cordano of Chile was elected to this vital role, with...

We are proud to share that 𝗠𝘀. 𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗸𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗮, 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗢, joined a key event at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) addressing the rising global dangers of toxic skin-bleaching products, alongside 𝗗𝗿. 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗔𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗱, 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆, 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 (𝗠𝗼𝗘𝗙𝗖𝗖), 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗵’𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿...

The International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) is a global network of public-interest non-governmental organizations working toward a toxics-free future for all. Founded in 1998, IPEN unites more than 600 civil society organizations from over 125 countries, with strong representation from the Global South. The network supports its members through research,...

COP30, held in Belém, Brazil this year, stood out for many reasons. It marked the 10-year anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement, a watershed moment that committed nations to climate action through a steady, sustained, and encouraging mechanism. Taking place in the “lungs of the Earth” instilled a sense of...

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has long been at the sidelines of climate discussions. However, COP 30 stands out for its dedicated scope provided to this pressing threat. This side event is tying into the LOW-Methane Partnership and pushing for replication of successful community-level methane reduction models. Participants spoke about...

Bangladesh Driving Global Action for Mercury-Free Health and Environment! The Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-6) brings together nations to protect human health and the environment from mercury pollution. Key Global Discussions at COP-6: African Amendment – proposing to list dental amalgam under Annex A (Part I) for a global phase-out...

Today, bureaucrats, policymakers, academicians, development professionals, and enthusiasts from all over the world have joined a webinar recognizing that mercury is a hidden threat in the skin-care and beauty routine of millions. The Pre-COP-6 Minamata Convention Webinar was organized to evaluate progress since last year, strengthen legal frameworks, enhance enforcement...

Delegates from 25 countries across the Asia-Pacific region gathered in Bangkok for a preparatory meeting to coordinate positions for the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-6) to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, scheduled for November 2025 in Geneva. The two-day (23-24 September 2025) meeting served as a...