Rwanda on September 28 won the Future Policy Award 2023 in the category of "Cosmetics."

The announcement of the winning policies, as well as the award ceremony took place in Bonn, Germany during the fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5).

By promoting the exchange of best practices, the Future Policy Award showcases a range of innovative policy approaches to advance toxic-free environment policies that create better living conditions for current and future generations.

ALSO READ: Rwanda FDA explains ban on over 100 cosmetics

According to a statement by the Rwandan Embassy in Germany, what made the country win is "Rwanda&039;s Ministerial Order determining the list of cosmetics whose use is prohibited in Rwanda.”

With the policy, the country has been able to take a number of cosmetics off the market, including 13,596 units in 2020 alone.

ALSO READ: Skin bleaching cosmetics worth over Rwf13 million seized

Future Policy Award 2023 included special recognition of policies from the Global South. It also celebrated future-proof and effective policy solutions that protect the environment and guarantee a toxic-free world, especially for children.

"Cosmetics containing hazardous chemicals can cause negative health impacts. Rwanda has developed and implements an exemplary policy protecting people and the environment. We applaud Rwanda for showing other countries how chemicals can be effectively regulated in the interest of current and future generations," said Alexandra Wandel, Chair of the Management Board of the World Future Council.

The award was organised by the World Future Council Foundation since 2009 and in 2023, the institution is working with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) as well as the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) and the Federal Environment Agency (UBA).

Together, they aim to highlight policies for a toxic-free world that regulate the use of hazardous chemicals in products, with a focus on children and their environment.