UNITAR is represented by Dr. Carlos Lopes at the Second session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM-2), held in Geneva from 11-15 May 2009. The ICCM is the governing body of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM).
ICCM-2 is the first opportunity to review progress in the implementation of SAICM since its adoption in 2006 and the first time the ICCM performs its official functions as a high-level international forum for multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral discussion and exchange of experience on chemicals management issues.
UNITAR has assisted for many years in the development of integrated programmes for sound chemicals management that address country and regional priorities to assist moving from a project-by-project to a programmatic approach to ensure sustainability. The Institute continuously coordinates with sister UN organizations, plus the OECD, through the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC). UNITAR is the leading international organization to-date for assisting countries with projects under the SAICM Quick Start Programme Trust Fund. Overall in 2008, some 1,500 individuals in 58 countries have been trained by the Institute in the field of capacity building for sound chemicals management.
The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management builds significantly on the work that UNITAR and its partners have been undertaking for the past fifteen years assisting countries with addressing the myriad chemicals and wastes-related challenges they face. This includes strengthening governance at the national level and providing training and guidance that suggests frameworks that can provide countries and other stakeholders with a starting point to address them.