From complexity to clarity: navigating the Minamata Convention with our new learning platform

This month the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, in collaboration with the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) launched Minamata Tools, a set of interactive training modules designed to explain the Convention and assist in the fight against mercury pollution.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a global treaty that helps countries to control, reduce and eliminate mercury across all its life-stages with the objective of protecting human health and the environment. Thanks to financial support from the European Union, this new online learning platform aims to help 148 Parties meet their obligations.

Executive Secretary of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, Monika Stankiewicz stated, “Minamata Tools will help us enhance the training and information surrounding our fight against toxic mercury, a crucial element for the effective implementation of the Convention. This online learning platform aims to further empower national focal points and other officials while also providing key resources to partners everywhere. A cornerstone of our Secretariat’s mandate, we firmly believe that, by providing accessible capacity-building, we are building solid foundations for a healthier, safer planet for all”.

Minamata Tools is targeted mainly at national focal points of the Convention, designated by Parties for information exchange, but it also offers accessible information and knowledge for entry-level and experienced officials.

"This learning path offers relevant insights not only on the reporting obligations of the Convention but also on selected Articles. The UNSSC team worked on providing a flexible structure that allows learners to easily access the information they need to report on the Convention, as national focal points, or assist in data collection as government officials or key stakeholders," says Jafar Javan, UNSSC Director

The platform currently offers four free modules:

• Introduction: exploring the Convention’s purpose, the important role of national focal points, the different reporting obligations, and how to better plan for preparing the National Reports.
• Supply Sources and Trade: covering the provisions related to responsible practices in managing mercury mining, stocks and trade in mercury.
• Products and Processes: addressing the phase-out of mercury manufacture, import and export in consumer and industrial products, and the use of mercury in manufacturing processes.
• Emissions: focusing on the provisions and guidance related to controlling and mitigating emissions of mercury and mercury compounds into the atmosphere.

Currently available in English, but with plans for translation into French and Spanish soon, participants will receive a certificate of completion.

 National focal points, officials and other stakeholders are encouraged to enroll. For more details and access to Minamata Tools, please visit Minamata Tools | UNSSC | United Nations System Staff College.