Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2 June 2025 — In an effort to strengthen global efforts on mercury monitoring and control, a weeklong series of technical trainings and coordination events is underway from 2–6 June 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The initiative brings together customs and enforcement authorities, government representatives, health and environment experts, and international partners to support the effective implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and funded by the Government of Japan and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the initiative merges two UNEP-led projects to reinforce mercury trade controls and promote the elimination of mercury-added skin lightening products.
The week kicks off with national training for Sri Lankan customs and enforcement officials, enhancing the country’s capacity to identify, track, and regulate mercury trade. This training is conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, the Minamata Convention focal point for Sri Lanka. This is followed by a two-day subregional training with customs officers and enforcement agencies from neighboring countries.
The final two days are dedicated to the Multi-country Meeting on the Elimination of Mercury-Added Skin Lightening Products, which addresses the health and environmental risks posed by these products. Almost forty representatives will be in attendance from Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, with technical assistance from the UNEP Global Mercury Partnership. The meeting is convened by the Ministries of Health, Mass Media and Environment of Sri Lanka under the GEF-funded "Eliminating Mercury Skin Lightening Products” project. The project is led by UNEP and executed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI).
“Mercury is one of the top chemicals of public health concern, and urgent action is needed to reduce exposure,” said Dr Maria Neira, Director of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health at WHO. “Even low levels of mercury can cause serious, often irreversible damage — particularly to the nervous, digestive, and immune systems, as well as the lungs, kidneys, skin, and eyes. Eliminating or minimizing the use of mercury in products, industrial processes, and waste is critical to safeguarding human health and protecting our environment.”
Echoing WHO’s call for urgent action, UNEP emphasized the importance of regulatory capacity and collaboration.
“This week of action reflects the global urgency to strengthen mercury controls and eliminate, from our markets, those toxic products which may come into contact with our body,” said Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division. “By equipping customs officials and building regional cooperation, we are taking meaningful steps to uphold the Minamata Convention and protect both human health and the environment.”
Japan, a longstanding supporter of mercury reduction efforts, underscored the need for international cooperation: “Japan is committed to supporting global efforts to implement the Minamata Convention,” said Dr. Koki Takaki, Director of Office of Mercury and International Chemicals Management, Ministry of the Environment, Japan. “We are proud to have been offering supports in global efforts to reduce mercury pollution through our initiative called “MOYAI initiative” to share the lessons from Minamata city and promote Japan’s experience. With UNEP as our partner and regional stakeholders, we are excited to further strengthen enforcement, build capacity, and eliminate harmful mercury-containing products from everyday use.”
As the host country, Sri Lanka welcomed the opportunity to drive national and regional collaboration.
“We are proud to host this critical initiative, which enhances our national capacity and strengthens regional collaboration,” said Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. “Ending the use of mercury in skin lightening products is an urgent public health priority, given the harmful effects of mercury, especially on pregnant women, children, and youth. Sri Lanka is committed to leading by example.”
“The national training and the two-day subregional training created an opportunity to foster interagency collaboration and strengthen the knowledge and understanding of the Minamata Convention among agencies,” said Mrs. Abeykoon, Additional Secretary (EP&P) of the Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka.
This landmark week not only enhances technical and enforcement capabilities but also builds vital political momentum to eliminate mercury risks—particularly for vulnerable populations exposed through unregulated cosmetic products. As global cooperation strengthens, so too does the hope for a mercury-free future.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
About UNEP
UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations
About the Global Environment Facility
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) includes several multilateral funds working together to address the planet's most pressing challenges in an integrated way. Its financing helps developing countries address complex challenges and work towards meeting international environmental goals. Over the past three decades, the GEF has provided more than $26 billion in financing, primarily as grants, and mobilized another $148 billion for country-driven priority projects.
About the World Health Organization (WHO)
Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance to live a healthy life. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.
For more information contact:
Kevin Helps, Chemicals and Waste Portfolio Manager
kevin.helps@un.org
