On 6 November 2025, the International Geneva Global Health Platform of the Global Health Centre co-hosted an engaging panel discussion and film screening exploring the intersections of environmental policy, toxic chemicals in cosmetics, and the power of artistic storytelling in driving global health action.
The event, titled “Detoxifying Cosmetics and Beauty Ideals: Where Policy Meets Art,” was convened in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Global Mercury Partnership, World Health Organization (WHO), Biodiversity Research Institute, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Bringing together experts from science, policy, and the arts, the discussion highlighted the urgent need to eliminate harmful substances—particularly mercury—from cosmetics while also challenging the societal beauty ideals that perpetuate their use. Speakers emphasized the importance of multisector collaboration and community engagement to shift both regulatory environments and cultural narratives.
Speakers:
- Ludovic Bernaudat, Senior Programme Management Officer, Chemicals and Health Branch, UNEP; Programme Manager for GEF GOLD
- Angélica Dass, Photographer; Author of Humanae
- Serge Molly Allo’o Allo’o, Project Coordinator, WHO Gabon Office
- Adama Bineta Sow, Screenwriter and Film Director; Director of Timpi Tampa
Moderator: Ellen Rosskam Coordinator, International Geneva Global Health Platform, Global Health Centre
The session concluded with a screening of Timpi Tampa, offering participants a powerful artistic lens through which to understand the lived impacts of toxic beauty practices and the cultural forces that sustain them.
About the film
Timpi Tampa (2025) is a satirical drama that tackles the issue of skin depigmentation and toxic beauty standards in African societies. The film follows Khalilou, a young man who, after his mother suffers from cancer due to skin bleaching, disguises himself as a woman to challenge societal norms in a beauty contest. The film blends humor and cultural critique, drawing inspiration from Asian media like the Japanese series Hana Yori Dango. Timpi Tampa earned a jury prize in the “Perspectives” category at the 29th edition of FESPACO. Timpi Tampa was recently screened at the African Cinema Festival in Lausanne, where it was very well received by the audience.