The World Future Council has announced a shortlist of eight policies from 4 continents that are final contenders for the 2023 Future Policy Award.
This was after receiving a total of forty policies from five (5) continents in response to a worldwide call for nominations.
The Future Policy Award is unique in that it celebrates successful policies that protect people and the planet on an international level.
This year’s global award, with special recognition of policies from the Global South, will be celebrating future-proof and effective policy solutions that protect our environment towards a toxic-free world, especially for our children. The awards shall highlight policies for a toxic-free world, regulating the use of hazardous chemicals in products, with a focus on protecting children and their environment.
By promoting the exchange of best practices, the Future Policy Award showcases a range of innovative policy approaches to advance toxic-free environment policies that create better living conditions for current and future generations.
After in-depth research a jury of notable experts shortlisted the following eight policies:
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Argentina – Resolution 583/2008 banning phthalates in toys
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Bangladesh – Guideline for cosmetic products in Bangladesh, BDS 1382, 2019.
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Denmark – Danish order on food contact materials and on provisions for penalties for breaches of related EU legislation, 2020
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Nepal – Decision ‘regarding mercury based equipments and dental amalgam’, 2019
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Phillippines – Administrative order banning phthalates in plastic toys, 2008
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Rwanda – Ministerial order no. Nº20/38 of 2016 determining the list of cosmetics whose use is prohibited in Rwanda
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Tanzania – Regulations for the control and management of mercury and mercury compounds, 2020
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Vietnam – National technical regulation on safety of toys, 2019
“As a society, we are confronted with a multitude of crises, namely climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. To exacerbate the issue of pollution, harmful substances are incorporated into nearly all the products we rely on in our everyday lives, including toys designed for our youngest members. It is crucial that we approach this matter with great seriousness and, above all, prioritize the protection of children from these harmful substances”, says Alexandra Wandel, Chair of the Management Board of the World Future Council.
“Chemicals are an essential part of our society and, when used correctly, bring important benefits in sectors such as medical and consumer products. However, their responsible management is crucial to avoid risks to human health and the environment, as well as significant costs to the public“, explains Nikhil Seth, Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
The announcement of the winning policies, as well as the award ceremony will take place on the 28th of September 2023 in the context of the high-level segment of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) in Bonn, Germany. The award ceremony will be livestreamed on the World Future Councils YouTube channel.
The World Future Council is working in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) as well as the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), the German Environment Agency (UBA) with the support of the Michael Otto Foundation for the 2023 Awards.
