15 December 2014: The second meeting of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG2) of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) has opened, and will consider the implementation, development and enhancement of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals (SAICM).

OEWG2 will review progress and gaps towards the achievement of the 2020 goal of sound chemicals management set out in the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, particularly: regional achievements, strengths and challenges in the context of working towards the 2020 goal of the Strategic Approach; progress in achieving the objectives of the Overarching Policy Strategy of the Strategic Approach; implementation of the health sector strategy; and the overall Orientation and Guidance on the 2020 goal prepared by the SAICM Secretariat.

OEWG2 also will review work on emerging policy issues and other issues of concern, including: lead in paint, chemicals in products, hazardous substances within the life cycle of electrical and electronic products, nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials; endocrine-disrupting chemicals; environmentally persistent pharmaceutical pollutants; and perfluorinated chemicals and the transition to safer alternatives. Additionally, the OEWG2 will consider the sound management of chemicals and waste in the context of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), planned activities and draft budget of the Secretariat for the period 2016-2020, and other preparations for ICCM4. ICCM4 is tentatively scheduled to be held from 28 September to 2 October 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland. [IISD RS coverage of OEWG2]