The first meeting of the Preparatory Committee for the development of a Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), met from 9-13 November 2003, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Delegates provided initial comments on potential issues to be addressed during the development of the SAICM, examined ways to structure discussions, and considered possible outcomes of the SAICM process. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Committee adopted a report, which contains inter alia, issues to be addressed during the development of the SAICM; items to be forwarded to PrepCom2 and a proposal for intersessional activities. While many delegates expressed commitment to the SAICM with calls for an ambitious objective and scope, the future of the process and when PrepCom2 will convene ultimately depends on financial support from all stakeholders. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin coverage of this meeting is available at: http://enb.iisd.org/chemical/saicm/