18th session of the Commission on Sustainable Development, New York, 3-14 May 2010 SAICM-IOMC learning centre, Wednesday 5 May 2010 Introduction to SAICM Matthew Gubb, Coordinator, SAICM secretariat

2 What is SAICM? SAICM is a global policy framework to support efforts to achieve the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation goal that, by 2020, chemicals should be produced and used in ways that lead to the minimization of significant adverse effects on human health and the environment. SAICM is a global policy framework to support efforts to achieve the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation goal that, by 2020, chemicals should be produced and used in ways that lead to the minimization of significant adverse effects on human health and the environment. SAICM aims to coordinate, catalyse and facilitate. SAICM aims to coordinate, catalyse and facilitate.

3 What SAICM is not SAICM is not a legally binding instrument. SAICM is not a legally binding instrument. SAICM is not a new organization. SAICM is not a new organization. SAICM does not replace existing institutions and mechanisms. SAICM does not replace existing institutions and mechanisms.

4 What is new about SAICM? SAICM is notable for its: SAICM is notable for its: –very broad scope; –ambitious goal (the Johannesburg 2020 target); –endorsement at the highest political levels; –emphasis on the sound management of chemicals as a sustainable development issue; –resource mobilization; –formal endorsement or recognition by IGO governing bodies; –multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral character.

5 Development of SAICM Development of SAICM was initiated by UNEP Governing Council in 2002 and endorsed by World Summits in 2002 and Development of SAICM was initiated by UNEP Governing Council in 2002 and endorsed by World Summits in 2002 and A multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral consultation took place over three years, involving representatives of Governments, NGOs, Industry and IGOs drawn from sectors such as agriculture, environment, health, industry and labour. A multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral consultation took place over three years, involving representatives of Governments, NGOs, Industry and IGOs drawn from sectors such as agriculture, environment, health, industry and labour. Co-conveners: UNEP, IOMC and IFCS. Co-conveners: UNEP, IOMC and IFCS. Three sessions of a Preparatory Committee were held (Bangkok, November 2003; Nairobi, October 2004; Vienna, September 2005). Three sessions of a Preparatory Committee were held (Bangkok, November 2003; Nairobi, October 2004; Vienna, September 2005). Regional consultations played a key role. Regional consultations played a key role. The International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) adopted SAICM at its first session in Dubai, 4-6 February The International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) adopted SAICM at its first session in Dubai, 4-6 February 2006.

6 The SAICM texts Dubai Declaration on International Chemicals Management Dubai Declaration on International Chemicals Management Overarching Policy Strategy (OPS) Overarching Policy Strategy (OPS) Global Plan of Action Global Plan of Action + Resolutions of the ICCM

7 The Dubai Declaration The Dubai Declaration on International Chemicals Management is the political commitment to SAICM and implementation. The Dubai Declaration on International Chemicals Management is the political commitment to SAICM and implementation. Adopted by “Ministers, heads of delegation and representatives of civil society and the private sector.” Adopted by “Ministers, heads of delegation and representatives of civil society and the private sector.” “The sound management of chemicals is essential if we are to achieve sustainable development, including the eradication of poverty and disease, the improvement of human health and the environment and the elevation and maintenance of the standard of living in countries at all levels of development.” “The sound management of chemicals is essential if we are to achieve sustainable development, including the eradication of poverty and disease, the improvement of human health and the environment and the elevation and maintenance of the standard of living in countries at all levels of development.” “The global production, trade and use of chemicals are increasing, with growth patterns placing an increasing chemicals management burden on developing countries and countries with economies in transition, in particular the least developed among them and small island developing States, and presenting them with special difficulties in meeting this challenge. As a result, fundamental changes are needed in the way that societies manage chemicals.” “The global production, trade and use of chemicals are increasing, with growth patterns placing an increasing chemicals management burden on developing countries and countries with economies in transition, in particular the least developed among them and small island developing States, and presenting them with special difficulties in meeting this challenge. As a result, fundamental changes are needed in the way that societies manage chemicals.”

8 SAICM Overarching Policy Strategy (OPS) Adopted by the ICCM Adopted by the ICCM Structure: Structure: –Scope (environmental, economic, social, health and labour aspects of chemical safety) –Needs –Objectives (risk reduction; knowledge & information; governance; capacity-building; and illegal traffic) –Financial considerations –Principles and approaches –Implementation arrangements

9 SAICM Global Plan of Action (GPA) Recommended for use and further development as a working tool and guidance document for stakeholders implementing SAICM. Recommended for use and further development as a working tool and guidance document for stakeholders implementing SAICM. Not fully negotiated. Not fully negotiated. 36 work areas, 273 activities, actors, targets/timeframes, indicators of progress, implementation aspects. 36 work areas, 273 activities, actors, targets/timeframes, indicators of progress, implementation aspects. Structured in accordance with the 5 categories of SAICM objectives set out in the OPS. Structured in accordance with the 5 categories of SAICM objectives set out in the OPS.

10 Initial SAICM implementation Start-up phase (until first review at ICCM2) included: Start-up phase (until first review at ICCM2) included: –Establishment of the SAICM secretariat. –Establishment of a SAICM focal point network (including national focal points from over 160 Governments). –Commencement of national planning. –Intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations developing implementation activities. –Regional meetings to establish regional priorities and coordination arrangements. –Establishment of the Quick Start Programme and its trust fund. –Formal recognition of SAICM by governing bodies of FAO, ILO, OECD, UNEP, UNIDO, UNITAR and WHO.

11 Continuing SAICM implementation Following the first review of progress at ICCM2 in May 2009, SAICM implementation continues, including through: Following the first review of progress at ICCM2 in May 2009, SAICM implementation continues, including through: –Ongoing national and organization activities, moving beyond initial planning; –Work on emerging policy issues agreed at ICCM2 (lead in paint, chemicals in products, electronic products, nanotechnology, perfluorinated chemicals); –Launch of the SAICM information clearing house; –Development of a SAICM health sector strategy; –Further regional coordination meetings; –CSD-18 & 19; –Over 100 SAICM Quick Start Programme Trust Fund projects as of April 2010.

12 International Conference on Chemicals Management The International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) undertakes periodic reviews of SAICM’s implementation. The International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) undertakes periodic reviews of SAICM’s implementation. ICCM2, Geneva, May 2009 in Geneva, ICCM2, Geneva, May 2009 in Geneva, –back-to-back with Stockholm Convention COP4 and the 62nd World Health Assembly“COP4”; –resolutions/decisions on CSD, health sector, finance, regional activities, emerging issues, reporting; –ICCM3: 2012; ICCM4: 2015; ICCM5: Open-ended Working Group to prepare for ICCM3 in August Open-ended Working Group to prepare for ICCM3 in August 2011.

13 Contacts and information Contacts and information Please visit the SAICM web site at: or contact: SAICM secretariat, c/o Chemicals Branch, UNEP/DTIE, chemin des Anémones, CH-1219 Châtelaine, Geneva, Switzerland, Tel , Fax