Paths to Global Chemical Safety: The 2020 Goal and Beyond analyzes global agreements for chemical safety with a special focus on SAICM and the three legally binding treaties—the Basel Convention, the Rotterdam Convention, and the Stockholm Convention. The very recent conclusion of negotiations over a treaty for mercury impeded detailed consideration of this instrument. This study recognizes the progress that has been made, yet concludes that these four international agreements, even if fully implemented, are unlikely to fully protect human health and the environment from the risks of dangerous chemicals. Structural shortcomings of the existing agreements and insufficient political will on the part of some governments and stakeholders contribute to this failure. A detailed analysis of treaty elements, principles, and approaches identified five overarching challenges…