On October 28, 2025 (15:00 -16:30 CET), the Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP), as a part of the GEF-funded and UNEP-led Global NIP Update project (GEF ID 10785), will host a round table “Embedding POPs Data Management: Information Systems at National and Regional Levels.”

This event aims to bring together expertise across UNEP, Stockholm and Basel Convention Regional Centers and project countries, exploring how persistent organic pollutants (POPs) information and data systems can be effectively embedded at both national and regional scales and how these systems can better support National Implementation Plans (NIPs) under the Stockholm Convention.

The virtual round table will comprise of three parts: (i) introduction of new knowledge resources (ii) Presentations of existing solutions by regional centers (iii) Q&A and time for country interventions.

On 16 October 2025 (11:00-13:00 CEST), the Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP), as part of the GEF-funded and UNEP-led Global NIP Update Project (GEF ID 10785), hosted a virtual workshop, "POPs and Border Control – HS Code Classification and Practical Application," for countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. 

The virtual workshop aimed to foster a shared understanding among customs authorities, Stockholm Convention focal points, and other NIP experts on how to effectively apply the Harmonized System (HS) for identifying and controlling persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in international trade.

The session featured a training component, followed by case studies that showcase practical approaches to chemical identification, enforcement challenges such as illegal trafficking and smuggling, and suggestions for interagency collaboration to ensure that National Implementation Plan (NIP) updates are based on reliable customs data. The workshop was conducted in English, with simultaneous interpretation into French and Russian provided.

On 1 October 2025 (11:00-12:30 CEST), the Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP), as part of the GEF-funded and UNEP-led Global NIP Update project (GEF ID 10785), hosted a regional workshop “Stockholm Convention Integrated Electronic Toolkit: NIP Harmonized Template and Online Submission” for project countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

This virtual workshop introduced countries to the Stockholm Convention Integrated Electronic Toolkit, an online solution that streamlines the preparation and submission of National Implementation Plans (NIPs). Organized by GGKP in collaboration with UNEP and BRS Secretariat, the workshop featured a live demonstration, followed by an interactive discussion to share feedback, raise technical questions, and explore ways to align national systems with digital reporting formats.