January 2012, Conakry, Republic of Guinea – In the framework of the project “Developing an Integrated National Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals and SAICM Implementation in the Republic of Guinea”, a National Forum on Governance and Priority Setting for SAICM Implementation was held from 25 to 26 January 2012 with the participation of UNITAR. The objectives of the workshop were to raise awareness about the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management, to review and endorse the National Profile to assess the national infrastructure for chemicals management and the National SAICM Capacity Assessment, to identify national priorities for SAICM implementation, and to discuss next steps, namely  strengthening the national governance structure, the development of a National SAICM Implementation Plan, and the development of action plans in order to address identified priorities.

Some 20 participants from public and private sectors, civil society, and academia were given presentations on SAICM and the international context for sound chemicals management, followed by presentations of the above listed key project activities. The National Forum on Governance and Priority Setting for SAICM Implementation was hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests of the Republic of Guinea, with technical support provided by UNITAR, and financial support provided by SAICM’s Quick Start Programme Trust Fund.