A workshop on governance in relation to implementing the recently-adopted Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) at the national level has taken place in Geneva, Switzerland.

The “Thematic Workshop on Governance, Civil Society, Participation and Strengthening Partnerships for Chemicals and Waste Management and SAICM Implementation”, was held on 19-21 June, 2006. It was organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in collaboration with the Swiss Government, the Basel Convention Secretariat, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals. A keynote speech by Klaus Töpfer opened the event and over the following three days participants deliberated on a number of issues related to SAICM implementation, including:
• challenges and opportunities for SAICM implementation at the national level;
• options for developing sound governance structures for SAICM implementation;
• challenges and opportunities for involving civil society and the private sector in national SAICM implementation;
• partnerships for sound chemicals management; and
• input provided to national SAICM pilot projects executed by UNITAR in three developing countries and one country in economic transition.

Link to further information
Workshop information (June 2006)