Regional Organization Groups (ROGs) and the Global Coordination Group (GCG) are key expert groups of the Global Monitoring Plan (GMP) under the Stockholm Convention. They support the collection, quality assurance, and analysis of monitoring data on POPs, contributing to the evaluation of the Convention’s effectiveness.
Regional Organization Groups (ROGs)
ROGs operate in the five United Nations regions and are responsible for implementing the Global Monitoring Plan at the regional level. Their work focuses on coordination, capacity enhancement, and the preparation of regional monitoring reports.
Key functions of ROGs include:
- Coordinating regional GMP implementation;
- Identifying available monitoring data and data gaps;
- Developing regional GMP strategies;
- Supporting regional and interregional monitoring networks;
- Liaising with Parties and experts involved in POPs sampling and analysis;
- Ensuring data quality, consistency, and comparability over time; and
- Preparing regional monitoring reports.
ROG members are appointed for a minimum six-year term. If a member steps down, Parties from the region nominate a replacement with relevant expertise. Each ROG nominates three members per evaluation cycle to serve on the Global Coordination Group.
Global Coordination Group (GCG)
The Global Coordination Group ensures coherence and consistency of the Global Monitoring Plan across all regions. It consists of three members from each UN region, nominated by the ROGs, and works closely with the Secretariat.
Key functions of GCG include:
- Supporting coordination and oversight of GMP implementation across regions;
- Promoting consistency and comparability of regional monitoring activities;
- Identifying implementation challenges and proposing solutions;
- Updating GMP guidance as new chemicals are listed;
- Promoting experience-sharing and capacity enhancement; and
- Preparing the global monitoring report, assessing trends, long-range transport, and the influence of climate and meteorology.
Monitoring and reporting
Monitoring activities under the Global Monitoring Plan are ongoing, with data compiled and analysed every six years. Regional monitoring reports feed into the global monitoring report, which is a key input to the effectiveness evaluation under Article 16 of the Stockholm Convention and is submitted to the Conference of the Parties.
Terms of reference and list of members
The terms of reference and current membership of the ROGs and the GCG are available in the following documents: