The vision and mission of the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

Vision

The vision of the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions is to be recognized by the parties as efficient, effective, innovative and responsive in carrying out the functions entrusted to it by the respective conventions and their conferences of the Parties, and in assisting parties in their efforts to implement their obligations to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes.

The Secretariat will be open, transparent and inclusive in carrying out its duties, and will seek to maintain a strong client focus, and carry out its functions in a synergistic and cost-effective manner.  It will strive to maintain gender and regional balance among staff at all levels.

Mission Statement

The Secretariat is committed to:
  • Deliver cost-effective and synergistic services to parties, including technical assistance, scientific support, and information exchange at regional and national level;
  • Facilitate national implementation of the conventions by developing countries and countries with economies in transition, through the mobilization of resources;
  • Enlarge and strengthen cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, including through partnerships and  an effective network of regional centres;
  • Promote gender equality as an integral part of the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, including within the Secretariat;

Focus areas for 2014-2015

  • The May 2015 COPs are prepared and delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner, according to the workplan, by addressing Parties’ needs and requests. Attention needs to be paid to fund raising for participants’ travel.
  • During the biennium the Secretariat will emphasize such activities in the workplan, that aim at  augmenting the visibility of the conventions and increasing the  involvement of Parties in the implementation of the conventions. To this end, the Secretariat will also organize a Conventions’ week before, as well as a  Science Fair during, the COPs in 2015.
  • During the biennium 2014-2015 priority will be given to activities on technical assistance and scientific work, in accordance with the programme of work, in order to assist Parties at the global, regional and national levels.

Moreover, the Secretariat strives to operate in a working environment that promotes harmony and team spirit, by encompassing trust and mutual respect, where staff are motivated and empowered to achieve their goals and objectives.