The interim secretariat of the Minamata Convention is saddened to inform you of the passing of Mr Matthew Gubb on 4 May 2014 following a courageous battle with cancer.
Matthew has worked extensively in the international chemicals arena, initially as a representative of the Government of New Zealand. He joined the Chemicals Branch of UNEP prior to the negotiations of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management, and was integral to their negotiation. He went on to coordinate the SAICM secretariat until his appointment as the Coordinator of the Mercury Negotiations Team following the decision by the Governing Council of UNEP in 2009 to negotiate a legally binding instrument on mercury. His consultative approach, and the importance he placed on inclusive methods of working, were a key to the successful negotiations he supported. He coordinated the negotiation activities until 2011 when he was promoted to head the International Environment Technology Centre (IETC) in Osaka. Despite moving from the Chemicals Branch, and the Mercury Negotiations Team, he maintained his keen interest in the negotiations and served as a point of liaison with the Government of Japan during the preparations for the Diplomatic Conference.
When he moved back to Geneva due to ill health, he maintained his relationship with Chemicals Branch, contributing to further work on mercury.
For all who knew and worked with Matthew, we will remember his calm and productive approach to challenges, his dedication to excellent outcomes and his dry sense of humour.
The chemicals community has lost an incredible asset and a great friend, and Matthew will be sorely missed.
May he rest in peace.