UNITAR/IFCS Thematic Workshop on Developing & Strengthening National Legislation and Policies for the Sound Management of Chemicals, 22–25 June 1999, Geneva, Switzerland

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. halpaap@unitar.org; Fax: +41 22 917 80 47; Web site: http://www.unitar.org/cwm.