Strategic Approach to international Chemicals Management
Sessions of the Preparatory Committee
Sessions of the Preparatory Committee for the development of SAICM are convened jointly by UNEP, the IFCS, the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC), the World Bank, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
SAICM PrepCom I
The first session of the Preparatory Committee for the development of a SAICM (SAICM PrepCom1) took place in Bangkok, Thailand from 9-13 November 2003. SAICM PrepCom1 was convened jointly by UNEP, the IFCS and the IOMC. During PrepCom 1, delegates adopted rules of procedure for the SAICM process and provided initial comments on potential issues to be addressed during the development of a SAICM.
The Committee agreed that the goal stated in the Johannesburg Summit Plan of Implementation, that by 2020 chemicals should be used and produced in ways that lead to the minimization of significant adverse effects on human health and the environment, should be considered as the over-arching goal of SAICM.
SAICM PrepCom II
SAICM PrepCom2 was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 4-8 October 2004 and brought together over 350 representatives from government, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations.
In his PrepCom2 opening statement, the IFCS President, Suwit Wilbulpolprasert, highlighted the UNEP Governing Council call for the SAICM to be an open, transparent and inclusive process. He noted that greater efforts are needed to further enhance the inclusiveness of the process, stressing that chemical safety is a multi-sectoral responsibility.
PrepCom2 participants discussed elements for an overarching policy strategy for international chemicals management, prepared a draft matrix of possible concrete measures to promote chemical safety (to be circulated to regions for further comment), and provided comments on an initial list of elements to be included in a high-level political declaration.
SAICM PrepCom III
SAICM PrepCom III is scheduled for Monday 19 through Saturday 24 September 2005 in Vienna, Austria.