Insights | Minamata Convention on Mercury

The importance of digital transformation and knowledge management for supporting the implementation of the Convention was formally recognized by the Conference of the Parties at its fifth meeting (COP-5) through decision MC-5/16, which noted with appreciation the Digital Strategy of the Minamata Convention. Building on this foundation, at its sixth meeting (COP-6), the Conference of the Parties adopted decision MC-6/17 on knowledge management and implementation of the digital strategy, recognizing the Convention website as the primary source of public information and supporting the development of the Minamata Convention Exchange Platform. Through these decisions, the COP established a framework for advancing digital cooperation, information exchange and innovation in support of the Convention’s effective implementation.

Knowledge management and digitalization are cross-cutting aspects of the Minamata Convention. They underpin progress across many areas of work and are directly linked to Article 17 on information exchange, which defines the Secretariat’s role in facilitating structured, transparent and accessible knowledge flows among Parties and stakeholders.

Digital strategy structure

The strategy is structured around three pillars:

Digital ecosystem: strengthening digital platforms, data systems and online services that support implementation of the Convention;
Partnerships and digital literacy: fostering collaboration, capacity-building and knowledge-sharing across the mercury pollution community;
Governance and innovation: promoting responsible, secure and innovative approaches to digital transformation following UN guidance, including the exploration of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence.

Digital strategy publication

The Digital Strategy provides a framework to expand and strengthen the services, processes and tools of the Minamata Convention’s digital ecosystem, and to promote and accelerate digital transformation, innovation and capacity-building in line with United Nations guidelines and initiatives. It guides the work of the secretariat in building an inclusive, user-centered and interoperable digital ecosystem.

Secretariat work

As part of the Strategy, the secretariat is continuously improving the website as the primary source of public information and knowledge on mercury-related issues, and has developed the Online Reporting Tool in the six official United Nations languages, data dashboards, e-learning resources and Minamata Online sessions. At meetings of the Conference of the Parties, digital services have expanded to provide a seamless user experience, facilitate decision-making and improve transparency.

Looking ahead, the secretariat is advancing the development of the Minamata Convention Exchange Platform, envisioned as a shared digital space to facilitate structured and inclusive information exchange under Articles 17 and 18 of the Convention. The platform will provide access to scientific, technical, legal and implementation-related knowledge while promoting cooperation and data interoperability.

Use of AI

The digital strategy recognizes the potential of emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning to support knowledge sharing and capacity building, while safeguarding ethical principles and human rights, in line with UN guidance. Since November 2025, the Secretariat has started to explore the use of AI, and remains engaged with international cooperation and initiatives such as the United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance and InforMEA.

Meet the expert

Should you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact Anna García Sans, Communications and Knolwedge Management Officer of the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, at anna.garcia [at] un.org.