The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a global agreement to protect the Earth’s ozone layer by phasing out the chemicals that deplete it. This phase-out plan includes both the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. The landmark agreement was signed in 1987 and entered into force in 1989.

The parties to the Protocol meet once a year to make decisions aimed at ensuring the successful implementation of the agreement. These include adjusting or amending the Protocol, which has been done six times since its creation. The most recent amendment, the Kigali Amendment, called for the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in 2016. These HFCs were used as replacements for a batch of ozone-depleting substances eliminated by the original Montreal Protocol. Although they do not deplete the ozone layer, they are known to be powerful greenhouse gases and, thus, contributors to climate change.

The Montreal Protocol provided a set of practical, actionable tasks that were universally agreed on. The Protocol has successfully met its objectives thus far and continues to safeguard the ozone layer today. Thanks to the collaborative effort of nations around the world, the ozone layer is well on its way to recovery.

Decision XV/48: Decision on the report of the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol

The Fifteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XV/48:

Recalling the terms of reference of the Executive Committee as modified by the ninth Meeting of the Parties in its decision IX/16,

Aware of the need to improve the selection process for the Chief Officer,

  1. To take note with appreciation of the presentation by the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol and of the report of the Executive Committee contained in document UNEP/OzL.Pro.15/8;
  2. To consider amending, at the Sixteenth Meeting of the Parties, the relevant provision of the terms of reference of the Executive Committee relating to the nomination and appointment of the Chief Officer, taking into account the proposals of the Chair of the Executive Committee given in the annex to the present decision, and also those made by other Parties;
  3. To request the Executive Committee to enter into consultations with the United Nations Secretariat and the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme on that matter and to report thereon to the Sixteenth Meeting of the Parties;

Annex

Add the following understanding on paragraph 10 (k) of the terms of reference of the Executive Committee:

"The Executive Committee should prepare a short list of the eligible candidates, together with its recommendation, from which the Secretary-General would make a final selection."