Geneva: Minister Roger BARO convened a meeting at the Embassy/Permanent Mission of Burkina Faso in Geneva, Switzerland, with experts from the AES countries and heads of diplomatic missions from the Confederation of Sahel States. The meeting included Ambassadors Abdoulaye TOUNKARA of Mali, Sabine BAKYONO/KANZI‚¬Å¡¬° of Burkina Faso, and the charg© d'affaires of the Embassy of Niger in Geneva.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Minister BARO's initiative was met with appreciation from the experts, who discussed the challenges they face under the BRS conventions. Key issues raised included the exclusion of ESA countries from programs focused on the elimination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), which are toxic and persistent organic pollutants. Under the Stockholm Convention, these substances should be eradicated by 2025, with a final deadline of 2028.

Further concerns were voiced about the exclusion of ESA countries from projects related to the development of National Implementation Plans for the Stockholm Convention, which often come with financial subsidies. Additionally, the non-payment of contributions under the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm conventions was highlighted. Experts urged Minister BARO to advocate for timely contributions to enable eligibility for certain positions.

The experts expressed hope that Burkina Faso's Minister of the Environment would further highlight environmental issues, particularly those concerning hazardous chemicals and waste management covered by the BRS conventions. They stressed the importance of these issues for public health.

This meeting marked a significant occasion where AES confederation experts and diplomatic missions collaborated to amplify the AES's voice in high-level discussions. Minister Roger BARO encouraged experts to collaborate and actively participate in discussions, particularly promoting the Bamako Convention, which opposes the dumping of hazardous waste in Africa.