Women We Admire is a MedWaves series embracing the concept that people are the heart of transition. Throughout our series, we engage in meaningful conversations, reflecting on how regional activities potentiate global goals and consider how balancing gender can further amplify efforts.  

We dare to believe that it is possible to make a difference in the world… and we seek to speak to the women who help us feel safe and confident in this view.  These are women who demonstrate that it is possible to fulfill the potential to accelerate action for a just and sustainable future. They embody the belief that the cornerstone of justice is gender balance.  

This month, we meet Maya Berci. 

Maya Berci is a woman we admire. When Maya enters the room, her presence is known. She has earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues by leading with focus in her role as Stockholm Convention President during the recent BRS COPs in Geneva from 28 April to 9 May 2025. Maya has been a Ieader in the public sector leader for over 20 years, with experience in environmental governance, international collaboration, and strategic program delivery. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Chemicals Management Division at Environment and Climate Change Canada, leading national efforts to manage harmful substances under the Chemicals Management Plan and supporting Canada’s engagement under global environmental agreements. Maya also coordinates Canada’s implementation of international agreements, including the Stockholm and Minamata Conventions, and plays a key role in advancing Target 7 (pollution reduction) of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Her leadership has been instrumental in securing major funding proposals for program renewal and sustainability. 

She embodies the kaleidoscope of feminine attributes that encompass true leadership.  Although the COP 12 of the Stockholm Convention was challenging at times, she managed to support 186 Parties to reach landmark decisions in terms of listings and budget approval for the work programme for the compliance committee. She supports the continued evolution of the convention, while fostering great support to ensure that the decisions made are upheld. 

MedWaves: Thank you for agreeing to be part of this series, Women We Admire. Your work throughout your career, and especially your leadership as the President of the Stockholm Convention COP demonstrates such a positive role model of how women are leading in multilateralism. Could you share with us some of the main areas of traction during the COPs? Why are these conventions such a strong example of multilateralism in action? 

As President of the Stockholm Convention, I’ve had a front-row seat to some truly impressive progress. One of the biggest achievements has been the global agreement to eliminate several POPs, or persistent organic pollutants—chemicals that are toxic, long-lasting, and harmful to both people and the environment. Just last week, we decided to phase out two more: chlorpyrifos, a pesticide, and a group of “forever chemicals” known as long-chain PFAS, which are used in things like semiconductors, coatings, cables, electronics and engines.

At the last COP, we adopted a compliance mechanism, something that’s been in the works for over 20 years. It’s a big step forward because it helps countries meet their obligations in a more structured, supportive way. And this week we approved its work plan for the compliance committee. So that’s a fresh success to share. This is so important.  

We’re also seeing real-world results. We have monitoring data that shows that many of the older POPs, like PCBs and dioxins, are continuing to decline in human tissue and in the air. That’s powerful. That’s powerful because it means the convention is working—not just on paper, but in terms of human and environmental health. All of this shows what multilateralism can do. The Stockholm Convention brings together countries from every region and political system to find common ground. It’s not always easy, but when it works, it’s proof that global cooperation can deliver real, lasting impact. 

Maya Berci, Stockholm Convention COP12 President
Photo: BRS Conventions/Kiara Worth

MedWaves: What does it take to rebuild trust among stakeholders? 

I would say that rebuilding trust isn’t about one grand gesture—it’s about showing up consistently. You know, listening more than we speak, and following through. It starts with transparency—meaning being upfront about what’s going well, what’s not, and what we’re still figuring out. That honesty, that honestly builds credibility. 

But it also means making space for everyone’s voice. People are more willing to trust when they feel seen and heard, especially those who haven’t historically been at the table. And finally, I’d say, it takes patience. Trust builds slowly through predictable actions, small wins, and accountability when we fall short. It’s not flashy, but it’s the foundation of real collaboration and progress. 

MedWaves: Why is the empowerment of women so critical to the Stockholm Convention? 

I love this question because women, you know, we are often the ones on the front lines—whether it’s acknowledged or not. In many parts of the world, women are dismantling electronics by hand or burning wires to extract metals. They’re handling pesticides on farms or being exposed to harmful chemicals in everyday consumer products, all without proper protection or information. 

Many of these substances—flame retardants, PCBs, dioxins—are regulated under the Stockholm Convention, and they can cause serious reproductive and developmental harm. Some pass-through breastmilk. So this isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a health issue, a gender issue, and frankly, a justice issue. 

We need to reflect those lived realities in our policies. But more than that, we need to empower women to help shape the solutions. Women aren’t just victims of chemical exposure—they’re also leaders, caregivers, educators, and advocates. When we include them in decision-making, the solutions become smarter, more grounded, and more sustainable. 

And I’ll say this from experience—women often lead with empathy and long-term thinking. That kind of leadership is exactly what we need to tackle complex global issues like chemicals and waste. 

MedWaves: What could you share as a proud moment in your career? 

What really stands out is when I led the personal protective equipment (PPE) Reporting Team at Health Canada during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was intense and chaotic. We were working with a virtual team, very long days and no weekends, and there was no existing system to track the national flow of personal protective equipment – masks, gloves, gowns —and you know, lots of other things. 

We had to build processes from scratch. We had to troubleshoot data problems daily using 11 different spreadsheets from different departments and sources. I was a senior executive one moment trying to discuss with different departments how this doesn’t work, this doesn’t match. And one moment I was doing low level data analysis, furiously trying to reconcile numbers several times a day.  It was hard.  

We had to collaborate across multiple departments under huge daily pressure. We had to present our numbers to a committee of Deputy Ministers every evening. But you know, I worked for an amazing boss that cultivated a fun and supportive atmosphere despite huge daily pressure.  I learned a lot from her – she had a way with words and made you laugh, and you could make a mistake, and she wouldn’t make you feel bad about it, even though she had to wear our mistakes.   

What I’m most proud of, though, is that we managed to support our team’s well-being at the same time. The team still communicates and remembers the experience fondly, although it was grueling.  We really tried to help prevent staff burnout and within a few months we built an automated dashboard that replaced manual reporting with real-time data. That dashboard ended up being used across the government. 

It was a humbling experience—exhausting but meaningful. I’m proud we were able to give leaders the information they needed to make really tough decisions during a national crisis. 

MedWaves: What changes have you witnessed in social norms around women in leadership? 

I think there has been a noticeable shift. We’ve gone from women having to constantly prove they belong in leadership roles to being recognized for the distinct value they bring. Traits like collaboration, emotional intelligence, and long-term thinking, these aren’t just soft skills and they are not just “nice to have” anymore—they’re being seen as core strengths, core competencies. 

That said, I do think the expectations are still a bit higher. We’re often expected to be both strong and gentle, decisive but not too assertive. So yes, the doors are more open, but there’s still some navigating to do. That said, I’m heartened by the growing appetite for diverse leadership styles—and a broader definition of what good leadership looks like. 

MedWaves: Who are the women you admire, who inspire you in the field of chemicals and waste? 

Two women come to mind immediately: One is Ruth Spencer and the other is Inger Andersen. 

Ruth, who chairs the Marine Ecosystem Protected Area (“MEPA”) Trust in Antigua and Barbuda, is a powerhouse at the community level. She just has a way of cutting through the noise and reminding everyone that real change happens when you involve people on the ground. She delivered that message to me and I got it! She doesn’t just talk about action—she lives it. 

And then there’s Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. We were just here together a few days ago. I’ve heard her speak many times, and she always manages to be both insightful and engaging. I am grateful to her because she’s been instrumental in elevating pollution to the same level of urgency as climate change and biodiversity loss. For too long, pollution was the forgotten cousin—and she’s changed that narrative. I’ve learned a lot from both of them. 

Inger Andersen, Executive Director, UN Environment Programme, attends the Bureau Meeting and BRS Staff meeting
Photo: BRS Conventions/Kiara Worth

MedWaves: How is the work of the conventions “Making Visible the Invisible”—especially relevant for women?

The conventions are about shining a light on what often goes unnoticed—like the long-term effects of chemical exposure or who’s really impacted by poor waste management. And often, it’s women who bear the brunt of that. 

Around the world, women are managing households,they are  farming, and they are raising children—all roles that bring them into close contact with chemicals and waste. For a long time, those experiences weren’t part of the policy conversation. I think that is changing. We’re now seeing more data that’s broken down by gender, we’re seeing more women in leadership, and I think a deeper understanding that leadership can look different. 

Personally, I’ve always felt respected and valued—even in UN settings where you’re working with people from every corner of the globe. I’m very grateful, I haven’t really felt treated differently because I’m a woman. I know a lot of my sisters would not say the same thing, but that is my experience. If anything, I’ve seen a real appreciation for inclusive leadership that listens first, builds trust, and takes the long view. And that’s a powerful shift—because it’s not just about adding women to the table, it’s about redefining the table itself.

Delegates during plenary © BRS Conventions/Kiara Worth

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