21 February 2014: The UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), with financial support from the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) Quick Start Programme, assisted the Governments of Mexico and Guatemala in the launch of national projects on implementing the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

Representatives from UNITAR and the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) provided training to representatives of government, industry and NGOs. National planning and inception workshops were convened in Mexico City from 17-18 February 2014, and in Guatemala City from 20-21 February. At the Mexican workshop, participants identified key actors, benefits and existing infrastructure, including a voluntary regulation to implement the GHS, as well as national capacity for GHS implementation. Mexico plans to prepare a national GHS implementation strategy following the training.

In Guatemala, participants were introduced to the National GHS Implementation Strategy, developed in 2011, and identified key actors, existing infrastructure and applicable legislation. Guatemala will now prepare draft legislation for the implementation of the GHS. [UNITAR Press Release – Guatemala] [UNITAR Press Release – Mexico]