Chemistry International
Vol. 21, No. 3
May 1999
Conference
Announcements
UNITAR/IFCS
Thematic Workshop on Developing & Strengthening National Legislation
and Policies for the Sound Management of Chemicals
22-25 June 1999
Geneva, Switzerland
This workshop is the third in a series of Thematic Workshops
on Priority Topics of National Chemicals Management Capacity Building.
It is being organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and
Research (UNITAR) in cooperation with the Intergovernmental Forum on
Chemical Safety (IFCS), as well as several international organizations,
including FAO, ILO, UNEP, WHO, and the Secretariat of the Organization
for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The workshop is aimed toward
government officials who have direct responsibility for the development
and implementation of national chemicals legislation in developing countries
and countries with economies in transition. In addition, representatives
from countries with advanced chemicals legislation, nongovernmental
organizations (i.e., industry, labor, public interest, and the academic
sector), international/intergovernmental organizations, and development
cooperation agencies will participate.
The workshop is expected to make a constructive contribution
to the international debate on building national capacities in the area
of chemicals legislation and policies and to provide pragmatic and innovative
ideas that countries can use in developing strategies to fit their national
needs. It is also meant to respond to the recommendations issued by
Forum II and ISG3 for enhanced capacity building in this area, and its
conclusions are expected to shape further discussions among Inter-Organization
Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) Participating
Organizations, as well as others involved in providing assistance to
countries in this area.
Specific workshop objectives include (1) systematically
identifying and documenting problems countries are facing in developing,
implementing, and enforcing chemicals legislation and policies; (2)
identifying possible elements of a systematic national strategy, e.g.,
measures, steps, and "best practices" countries may want to consider
toward strengthening their national chemicals legislation and policies,
including voluntary measures; (3) promoting development of national
chemical safety legislation/regulations that are consistent with and
complementary to recognized international agreements and technical standards;
and (4) identifying precise needs of countries for external assistance
and/or for additional guidance material.
While participants are expected to secure their own funding
to participate in the workshop, UNITAR will be in a position to cover
travel costs for a number of representatives from developing countries
and countries with economies in transition. Those interested in being
considered for sponsorship are expected to contribute a paper to the
workshop. The working language of the meeting will be English. An invitation
letter, as well as additional details on the event, including an information
note, a tentative agenda, and information on how to apply for sponsorship,
will be mailed out to interested parties.
For additional information, please contact Achim Halpaap,
Senior Program Coordinator, Training and Capacity Building Programs
in Chemicals and Waste Management, UNITAR, Palais des Nations, CH-1211
GENEVE 10, Switzerland, E-mail: achim. [email protected];
Fax: +41 22 917 80 47; Web site: http://www.unitar.org/cwm.