The Minamata Convention on Mercury is the first global agreement specifically designed to address contamination from a heavy metal. Opened for signature in 2013, the Convention addresses issues related to the use and release of mercury including trade, industrial uses, and major sources of atmospheric emissions and releases of mercury into the environment, as well as long-term storage and disposal of mercury and mercury compounds. Governments and stakeholders will gather in Geneva, Switzerland from November 3-7, 2025 for the Conference of Parties (COP-6). Learn more about COP-6 here.

BRI’s Participation in Minamata COP-6

Discussions will focus on practical steps to phase out mercury-added products, reduce emissions, and address the impacts of mercury exposure on communities and wildlife. BRI scientists will support discussions by sharing project updates and participating in other collaborative events.

BRI will also be represented at the UNEP/WHO booth for Eliminating Mercury Skin Lightening Products.

Pre-COP-6 Virtual Event

October 16
Engaging Online Platforms in Enforcing Restricted Product Policies for Mercury-added Cosmetics
12:00 – 1:00 pm (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (U.S. and Canada)

Despite health risks, mercury is frequently added to skin lightening products (Hg/SLPs). While the Convention bans manufacture and trade of Hg/SLPs, their production and distribution continue. To help curtail online trade, this event will showcase regulatory and voluntary approaches and case law examples to prevent online sale of Hg/SLPs.

COP-6 Events in Geneva

November 3
Special Event: Driving Effective and Inclusive Implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury
Featuring a screening of the TED talk “The Hidden Cost of Buying Gold” by Claudia Varga
Time: 13:15-14:30

November 4
From Science to Policy — Integrating data for the first effectiveness evaluation
(Secretariat of the Minamata Convention)
Time: 14:00–14:45
The Open-ended Scientific Group will contribute, analyze, and synthesize data, both published and unpublished, pertaining to mercury emissions and releases and monitoring in air, wildlife, people, and other matrices. BRI is developing protocols to standardize and harmonize data originating from various sources so that the information is presented in a clear and accessible format.

November 5
Detoxifying Cosmetics and Beauty Ideals — Global voices and solutions to reduce demand for mercury and skin lightening (UNEP Chemicals and Health Branch)
Time: 14:00–14:45
This knowledge lab will focus on specific country experiences. BRI staff will be attending to support and provide additional material related to our Eliminating Mercury Skin Lightening Project with UNEP.

Building the Evidence: Monitoring mercury and protecting communities (Open-ended Scientific Group, Biodiversity Research Institute, Dartmouth College)
Time: 18:00–18:45
Discussion will incorporate BRI’s Global Mercury Biotic Synthesis database and a preview of UNEP’s World Environment Situation Room.

November 6
Fostering the Integration of Chemicals Pollution into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (Presenting the latest tools and countries’ perspectives; discussion to include the impacts of mercury to biodiversity)

Time: 14:00–14:45

SPECIAL EVENT to be held at the Graduate Institute, Geneva, Switzerland
Detoxifying Cosmetics​ and Beauty Ideals
Time: 18h15 to 20h15 CET
Panel Discussion and Movie Screening
Hosted by the Global Mercury Partnership together with the Graduate Institute, World Health Organization, and Biodiversity Research Institute.

The panel will feature representatives of the Minamata Convention, influential artists, voices, and changemakers who will share stories, solutions, and a vision for a safer, more equitable future. The discussion will be followed by the screening of Timpi Tampa, a Senegalese film that uses humor and emotion to challenge toxic beauty standards and celebrates the power of diversity. Learn more.

BRI was invited to participate as a nongovernmental organization during the negotiating process and meetings of the International Negotiating Committee. The Convention entered into force in 2017, after reaching the milestone of ratification of 50 countries, and the COPs have taken place every two years. Learn more about the history of the Minamata Convention and previous COPs.

We create science communication materials to share broadly with a wide variety of audiences—policymakers, scientists, and the public. View the library here.