Nairobi, 30 September 2025 - The Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) Fund has launched its second call for project proposals, offering new opportunities to address the harm caused by hazardous chemicals and waste, highlighting the need for high-impact sectoral interventions.
Designed for developing countries, and countries with economies in transition, the Fund – which provides grants ranging from $300,000 to $800,000 for projects lasting up to three years – helps strengthen chemical laws, improve safety systems, and promote safer alternatives where support is most urgently needed.
The Fund, managed by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), plays a central role in implementing the Global Framework on Chemicals, adopted by governments and stakeholders in 2023 to promote the safe and sustainable management of chemicals and waste across all sectors. It supports medium-scale projects that build regulatory and technical capacity, foster cross-sector collaboration, and advance effective solutions across the chemicals value chain., adopted by governments and stakeholders in 2023 to promote the safe and sustainable management of chemicals and waste across all sectors. It supports medium-scale projects that build regulatory and technical capacity, foster cross-sector collaboration, and advance effective solutions across the chemicals value chain.
Thanks to the initial support from Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Belgium, Finland, the European Commission and the International Council of Chemical Associations, the Fund is already driving progress in countries. The Fund’s first call attracted 105 proposals from 77 countries, confirming global demand for implementation support.
Four regional projects—benefiting 11 countries in Africa and Latin America—were approved earlier this year, with agreements now being finalized so that implementation can begin before the end of 2025. These projects range from strengthening industrial chemicals legislation in Colombia and Peru, to advancing Globally Harmonized System (GHS) labelling in El Salvador and Honduras, and from replacing highly hazardous pesticides with safer agroecological alternatives in West and East Africa.
“The GFC Fund is a powerful tool for countries working to reduce exposures to hazardous chemicals,” said Kay Williams, Head of the GFC UNEP-hosted Secretariat. “We’re eager to support bold, collaborative proposals that turn the Framework’s commitments into measurable action on the ground.”
This second round introduces a streamlined two-stage process. Applicants will begin by submitting a short concept note; shortlisted candidates will then be invited to submit a full proposal, with feedback provided to strengthen their submissions. Civil society applicants must include national government endorsement. The new call also places greater emphasis on long-term sustainability, multisectoral partnerships—particularly with the health and labour sectors—and the potential for projects to scale or be replicated.
NOTES TO EDITORS
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