The fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP5) to the Rotterdam Convention convened for its fourth day in Geneva, Switzerland on Thursday, 23 June 2011.

During the morning, delegates convened in plenary and took a decision on trade. Plenary was then adjourned to allow contact groups on budget and technical assistance, candidate chemicals, and non-compliance to continue their work. 

Delegates reconvened in plenary during the afternoon and discussed the issue of listing chrysotile asbestos. Those parties opposing the listing of chrysotile were asked to explain their positions. In response, delegates agreed to convene an informal discussion on information on asbestos in an effort to address some parties' concern about the lack of scientific data. These informal talks were facilitated by Barry Reville (Australia).