Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries
on the Minamata Convention on Mercury
and preceding Preparatory Meeting

The intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting convened Monday in Kumamoto, in preparation for the Diplomatic Conference on 10 and 11 October. After the official opening and organization of work, delegates had the opportunity to consider the draft resolutions for consideration by the Conference of Plenipotentiaries, including on the arrangements for the interim period between the signing of the instrument and its entry into force.

Delegates discussed, inter alia: references to enhanced cooperation and coordination with the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, the establishment of a technical expert group to develop guidance on best available techniques and best environmental practices for emissions, and interim financial arrangements. Chair Fernando Lugris, Uruguay, presided over a first full reading of the text of the resolutions, which required extensive discussion beyond the scheduled close of plenary at 6pm. A contact group and three informal groups continued to meet through the evening to resolve outstanding issues.

Full web coverage available here: 7 Oct

On Tuesday, the intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting of the Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries reconvened in Kumamoto, to continue negotiations on the draft resolutions to be forwarded to the Diplomatic Conference.

Chair Fernando Lugris invited reports on the discussions which took place in a contact group and three informal groups on Monday evening Delegates continued debating resolutions on: arrangements in the interim period, most notably regarding the cooperation and coordination with the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and the functions of the Secretariat; financial arrangements; matters pertaining to other international bodies; and establishing a technical expert group to develop required guidance on emissions.

The Meeting resolved all outstanding issues before lunch, and in the afternoon delegates adopted the draft resolutions and the report of the meeting. In the evening, delegates attended the Swiss Break, a reception hosted by the government of Switzerland.

Full web coverage available here: 8 Oct

On Wednesday, the Government of Japan hosted a field trip for delegates to Minamata as part of the ceremonial opening of the Diplomatic Conference.

The day’s program started with a remembrance to the victims of Minamata Disease at the Minamata Eco-Park. This park is built on fill, some of which is confined mercury-contaminated sludge removed from Minamata Bay. Participants laid a floral tribute at the Cenotaph for Minamata Disease Victims and the ministerial delegates took part in a tree planting ceremony.

Participants were treated to a lunch prepared by Minamata community members and had the opportunity to learn about the many activities that have made Minamata the first Eco-Capital of Japan.

In the afternoon, delegates visited the grounds and the Minamata Disease Archive and Municipal Museum, and had the opportunity to hear Minamata Disease victims share their story and met with local civil society, government and industry groups.

Delegates then attended the Ceremonial Opening at the Minamata City Culture Center, where they heard opening speeches, including a video address by Shinzō Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, and welcoming remarks by Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director.

Full web coverage available here: 9 Oct

On Thursday morning, the Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries adopted the Minamata Convention on Mercury in Kumamoto, Japan, with one head of State, 48 State ministers and other high-level representatives of countries in attendance. Opening remarks were made by Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director; Bakary Kante, Director of the Division of Environmental Law and Conventions (DELC), who delivered remarks on behalf of UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon; and Nobuteru Ishihara, Minister of the Environment, Japan.

The Conference elected Nobuteru Ishihara as Conference President, and Terezya Pius Luoga Huvisa (United Republic of Tanzania) as Rapporteur, with Sargon Lazar Slewa Binzezzo (Iraq), Abdou Nassur Madi (Comoros), Gheorghe Salaru (Republic of Moldova), Anne-Rose-Marie Juganaru (Romania), Izabella Teixeira (Brazil), Robert Pickersgill (Jamaica), Sean Sherlock (Ireland), and Franz Perrez (Switzerland) as members of the Bureau.

In the afternoon, the Final Act and the Convention were opened for signature, after which 86 countries and the European Union signed the Convention, and 23 countries signed the Final Act only. Participants heard initial country statements and in the evening, attended a reception at Kumamoto Castle, hosted by the Government of Japan, the Prefecture of Kumamoto, and the Kumamoto City. UNEP Chemicals launched the website of the Convention (www.mercuryconvention.org) to track progress towards entry into force.

Full web coverage available here: 10 Mon

On Friday morning, the Conference of Plenipotentiaries continued to hear country statements about the adoption and signing of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Many countries paid tribute to the victims of Minamata Disease, underscoring the significance of the Minamata Convention for contributing to the sound management of mercury. Countries also conveyed their gratitude to the Government of Japan for hosting the Conference, and to INC Chair Fernando Lugris for steering the negotiations to a successful completion.

In the afternoon, the Conference heard the remaining statements from countries, IGOs and NGOs. An additional five countries signed the Convention, bringing the total of signatories to 92. In their closing statements, UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner and Conference President Ishihara expressed their gratitude to participants, interpreters, and the conference staff and volunteers that facilitated the success of the Conference. Conference President Ishihara gaveled the meeting to a close at 6:09 pm.

Full web coverage available here: 11 Oct