27 May 2013: The UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), together with the Maldives’ Ministry of Environment and with financial support from the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) Quick Start Programme (QSP), has launched the “Strengthening Capacities for National SAICM Implementation in Maldives” project. An inception workshop was convened in Malé, the Maldives, from 15-16 May 2013, and was attended by representatives from government, industry, academia, civil society organizations.

According to UNITAR, the workshop raised awareness among national stakeholders on SAICM, and provided a forum to plan project activities including: the preparation of a National Profile to Assess Infrastructure and Capacity Needs for Chemicals Management; strengthening national governance structure through establishing an interministerial coordination mechanism, stakeholder involvement policy, and information exchange mechanism; and developing a national chemicals management database.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) established SAICM QSP at the invitation of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) at its first session in 2006. [UNITAR Press Release] [SAICM QSP Website]