16-18 April 2012, Niamey, Republic of Niger – In the framework of the project “Enabling Activities for the Development of a Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) Implementation Plan within an Integrated National Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals in the Republic of Niger”, a National Forum on Governance and Priority Setting for SAICM Implementation was held from 16 to 18 April 2012 with the participation of UNITAR. The objectives of the workshop were: (i) to raise awareness about the SAICM; (ii) to review and endorse the National Profile to assess infrastructure and capacity needs for chemicals management; (iii) to identify national priorities for SAICM implementation; and (iv) to discuss next project activities, namely strengthening the national governance structure, developing a National SAICM Implementation Plan, and agreeing on potential partnership projects. 

Some 35 participants from public and private sectors, civil society, and academia were given presentations and participated in discussions on SAICM, and within the international context for sound chemicals management, as well as on the above listed project activities. The National Forum on Governance and Priority Setting for SAICM Implementation was hosted by the Ministry of Water, Environment and Fight against Desertification of the Republic of Niger, General Directorate of Environment, Water and Forests, with technical support provided by UNITAR, and financial support provided by SAICM’s Quick Start Programme Trust Fund.