Chemicals are a ubiquitous part of modern life and a multitrillion- dollar industry, and their sound management is vital to prevent and minimize the adverse impact chemicals have on human and planetary health. Central to this effort is the Global Framework on Chemicals, a milestone international agreement adopted in September 2023 for the safe and sustainable management of chemicals and waste. This agreement presents a plan for governments, non-governmental organizations and private sector to manage chemicals and waste sustainably, and support innovation to ensure chemical products are safer by design. The framework’s five strategic objectives and 28 targets complement global goals to achieve sustainable development, stop biodiversity loss and curb pollution.