March 2012: The UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has announced it is providing technical assistance to Nigeria, Thailand and Uruguay in addressing the challenges posed by Nanotechnology and Manufactured Nanomaterials. It is anticipated that lessons learned from the activities will be considered by the third International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM-3), scheduled to convene in September 2012.

The pilot projects are financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and aim to develop and strengthen capacities of developing countries to address Nanotechnology and Manufactured Nanomaterials. According to UNITAR, it has developed guidance and training materials to brief participating countries on the current state of the field, and has also provided countries with possible national actions. Addressing the potential risks and benefits of Nanotechnology/Manufactured Nanomaterials is considered an important new aspect of sound chemicals management. [UNITAR Press Release]