IFCS/FSC/07.06 rev1
74th Forum Standing Committee meeting
2 March 2007
MEETING REPORT
PARTICIPANTS
Member: Officer/Government/Organization
Participants & Co-workers
President:
Hungary
Dr Z. Szabó

Vice-Presidents:
Africa:
Tanzania
Prof. J. Katima

SAICM Regional Focal
Point
Iran
Mrs A. Olanipekun, Nigeria

M G. Dehghani
Mr N. Neidari
Mr Eisaku Toda , Japan


"Co-worker"
Asia & Pacific:
"Co-worker"
CEE:
SAICM Regional Focal
Point
Slovenia
Participated
Absent

Dr Marta Ciraj
Mrs Karmen Krajnc
Ms R.E. Morohoi, Romania

Dr J. De Kom

SAICM Regional Focal
Point
Switzerland
Mr G. Entenza, Argentina

Dr G. Karlaganis

SAICM Regional Focal
Point
Ms Jane Stratford, United
Kingdom

Past President:
Thailand
Dr S. Wibulpolprasert

Partial participation
Africa Region:
Burkino Faso
Prof. Abdouraman Bary

Partial participation due
to technical problem
and disconnection
Zambia
Mr M. Musenga

China
Ms Yu-Fei
Ms Shen Yingwa

Republic of Korea
Dr Kyung-Hee Choi

Thailand
Dr S. Tiptarodol
Dr D. Hongsamoot

"Co-worker"
"Co-worker"
LAC:
"Co-worker"
WEOG:
"Co-worker"
Asia & Pacific:
"Co-worker"
SAICM Regional Focal
Point
Suriname
"Co-worker"
CEE:
Belarus
Dr I. Zastenskaya
Latvia
Mr A. Ludborzs
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IFCS/FSC/07.06
LAC:
WEOG:
Brazil
Ms M.M. Cerqueira

Chile
HE Carman Hertz

Austria
Germany
Dr T. Jakl
Ms B. Perthen-Palmisano
Ms M. Luxem



USA
Ms Hodayah Finman

UNEP
Dr M. Younes

IOMC Secretariat
Dr T. Meredith
Ms C. Vickers
Industry
Ms K. Kunzer, ICCA

Public Interest
Dr R.F. Quijano, PAN
Mr G. Wiser, CIEL


Mr B. Erikson, ITUC

Dr L. Corra, ISDE

Mr N. Sylla

Dr M. Gubb
Dr J.A. Stober


"Co-worker"
IOMC
Chair, IOCC:
"Co-worker"
NGOs
"Co-worker"


Labour
Science
Other Participants
SAICM Secretariat
IFCS Secretariat:
Senegal - Forum VI
host (proposed)
UNEP
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IFCS/FSC/07.06 rev1
1.
Opening
The President welcomed members and participants to the teleconference.
2.
Acceptance of Agenda (IFCS/FSC/07.03)
The Agenda was adopted as proposed.
3.
Acceptance of Record of 73rd Meeting (IFCS/FSC/06.47rev1)
The draft record of the 73rd FSC meeting was accepted.
4.
FSC - designation of representatives status report
The Secretariat informed the FSC that the designation of a representative to the FSC was awaited from
China, Republic of Korea, Belarus and Suriname. Follow-up letters had been sent to the governments
concerned in February 2007 and it was hoped that the official designations would be received soon.
5.
Forum VI
5.1
Topics for future forum (IFCS/FSC/07.01 and IFCS/FSC/07.02)
The President reviewed the process agreed by the FSC at its last meeting for collecting input on possible
topics for the Forum VI agenda. The Secretariat in cooperation with G. Karlaganis prepared a
questionnaire to solicit the views of the FSC on the list of topics for the future Forum session. The
submitted completed questionnaires and other input are compiled in document IFCS/FSC/07.01. A
summary report of the responses to the questionnaire and other input received is contained in document
IFCS/FSC/07.02. The President thanked those responding to the questionnaire and said it was important
to consider the information received.
FSC members expressed appreciation for the valuable input received especially from developing
countries. The information will provide guidance for the planning for Forum VI. The President noted that
concern regarding duplication of efforts should be addressed and that IFCS should make a distinct and
added contribution to topics being addressed by one or more other organizations.
K. Kunzer expressed the view that the future of IFCS should be evaluated first and information made
available before planning for Forum VI proceeded to avoid wasting time and effort. The President stated
that the work on the future of IFCS, although relevant to the work of the FCS, was a separate endeavour
and that the FSC had a responsibility to guide the planning of a programme for Forum VI.
G. Karlaganis proposed that the agenda for Forum VI include two plenary sessions on nanotechnology,
nanoparticles and nanomaterials and offered to prepare a paper on how a session could be organized. He
invited others to work with Switzerland on the proposal. J. Stratford and K-H Choi expressed support for
the topic and volunteered for the work. M. Luxem offered to contribute to the extent possible given other
work commitments. The Secretariat stated that she had been contact by R. Visser, OECD, who offered to
work with any group established on the topic. He had provided the Secretariat with OECD documents
describing the organizations on going work in the area. The participation of the OECD secretariat and
members of OECD should ensure informed planning and avoid duplication of effort.
M. Luxem said that Germany viewed three topics as high priority: substitution/alternatives, lead and
cadmium and Table C referred to in the SAICM Global Plan of Action. Concerning substitution, P.
Chemin, France, was interested in contributing to the work to prepare a proposal on the topic. Germany is
willing to take the lead to prepare a proposal for lead and cadmium which will build on the work of
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IFCS/FSC/07.06
UNEP. Given the global concern, it found merit in addressing aspects of lead and cadmium in the context
of the IFCS. Table C referred to in the SAICM Global Plan of Action should be examined to consider
which issues needed to be further looked into.
M. Ciraj noted that 8 countries from the CEE region had responded to the questionnaire and that two
topics were give high priority: nanotechnology/nanomaterials/nanoparticles and PBTS. In addition
Slovenia viewed the topic of substitution/alternatives as important.
H. Finman stated that a substantive amount of time would be needed at Forum VI to address the future of
IFCS and that it would not be possible to include all the topics on the agenda. She expressed concern on
duplication of work in other fora, for example work on nanotechnology in OECD and heavy metals in
UNEP. Given the timing of the next Forum and ICCM2, addressing the list of chemicals cited in SAICM
OPS and GPA may not be a good use of time. The US has concerns on how the topic of substitution
would be approached, particularly the sub items listed, and would be sending comments.
M. Younes stated that the IOMC organizations supported the concerns expressed by the US on
duplication of efforts and the members would be willing to report on their work to Forum VI.
J. Katima said the evaluation of duplication issues must examine who is involved in activities and
ongoing work and that topics must be addressed by all concerned. In the case of OECD’s work on
nanotechnology and nanomaterials, participation was limited and restricted.
G. Wiser on behalf of IPEN supported the topics listed by Germany as high priorities noting that Forum
VI is scheduled to be held in Africa and the interest of African countries should carry significant weight in
determining the agenda. For NGOs working in Africa, substitution is a priority that covers a range of
issues and a practical session on how to apply substitution would be beneficial. Concerning the question
of duplication, he supported the statement made by J. Katima emphasizing that the OECD does not
include the full range of stakeholders and a significant amount of important work is done outside OECD.
He noted that OECD offers NGOs limited opportunities to participate and confidentiality rules often
prevent NGOs from distributing documents to their networks in a timely manner. Therefore OECD can
not be compared with IFCS and IFCS has every right and a mandate to address the topic of
nanotechnology and nanomaterials.
N. Heidari stated that the summary report on topics for the agenda of Forum VI would be further
discussed in Iran and suggested that the Secretariat might consider possible ways of further streamlining
the summary report. Concerning the issues of duplication, he said that the FSC should ask what was
meant by the concept noting that OECD was not a universal organization and that in the EU many fora
address a given topic which aids in understanding. All the topics listed could be considered of high
priority and there was much to be gained by learning of the experience of others. Ecologically sound and
integrated pest and vector management was an important topic for Iran in view of the incidence of malaria
in neighbouring countries. He will discuss with national experts the possibility of preparing a proposal
for a session on the topic at Forum VI and inform the President and Secretariat on the decision. Iran also
placed high importance on precaution and OHS and would further consider these topics.
G. Karlaganis said Switzerland’ proposal for nanotechnology & nanomaterials would not be a duplication
of OECD work in which Switzerland was actively participating. In non-OECD countries, different
conditions and issues needed to be addressed, e.g. SMEs, worker safety.
H. Finman expressed concerns that IFCS would be working at cross purposes if it addressed
nanotechnology. OECD had the technical expertise while IFCS addresses the broad spectrum of issues
when taking decisions. The US had a preference not to discuss certain types of issues at IFCS.
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L. Corra said that science NGOs valued IFCS as a forum to interact directly with governments. She
supported addressing topics that affect implementation of measures in developing countries, i.e. poverty,
the widening gap, illegal traffic. These together with topics such as children and chemical safety were
cross cutting issues.
J. de Kom expressed agreement that the future role of IFCS needed to be clarified. The IFCS work should
be complementary not duplicative of work elsewhere. He noted that topics are not comprehensively dealt
with by any one organization.
J. Stratford noted that the future of IFCS will be a substantive topic at Forum VI. She understood that
Forum V had been particularly beneficial for developing countries and NGOs offering opportunities not
found elsewhere. What countries really wish to consider and what information is lacking and needed
should be main considerations. She expressed the view that a topic being addressed by one organization
does not preclude it from being considered by other fora. Substitution and alternatives is an important
topic.
T. Jakl noted the importance substitution and alternatives has in the EU and volunteered to take the lead to
prepare a proposal for a Forum VI session on the topic.
M. Luxem asked the Secretariat if it could provide information on what work is being done on Table C
referred to in the SAICM Global Plan of Action. The Secretariat offered to collect information on ongoing
work from IOMC organizations and the SAICM Regional Focal Points. In response to a question, M.
Gubb stated that the SAICM Secretariat was not doing any work on Table C as it was considered a non
paper with no status.
The FSC acknowledged that the Future of IFCS will be a substantive Forum VI agenda topic. The
preparatory work for this is being undertaken by a working group established by the Forum. It agreed to
consider a number of the possible topics in further detail at its 18-20 June 2007 face to face meeting. The
preparatory work would be done following the established practice. A lead sponsor and interested
supporting parties volunteering to contribute to the work will prepare a brief paper on each topic
proposed. The paper should provide information on
 issues that would be considered by the Forum,
 objectives of a plenary session on the topic,
 possible Forum actions and
 how the plenary session documents (decision, information and/or thought starter) will be
prepared.
Poverty reduction, widening gap, illegal traffic and children as cross cutting issues should be taken into
consideration as relevant for each topic. Papers should be submitted to the IFCS Secretariat by 25 May
2007.
The lead for each topic together with the initial list of contributing members is listed in the Annex. The
FSC requested additional time to consult with colleagues and constituents to seek volunteers for the
groups. M. Younes said the relevant IOMC organizations secretariats will be involved in the work on a
topic from the start. They will inform the discussions so that the Forum can add to ongoing work and
avoid duplication. Working/drafting groups preparing brief papers/proposals for Forum plenary topics are
open. The names and full contact details of additional volunteers/contributors for the drafting groups
should be sent to the IFCS Secretariat no later than 26 March 2007.
The Secretariat reminded the FSC that any IFCS participant or group of participants may propose a topic
for the agenda of a session of the Forum. Proposals will be considered when submitted. In view of the
necessary time to ensure adequate preparation, IFCS participants are requested to submit proposals as
soon as possible, preferably by 31 May 2007 so that the FSC may consider it at its face-to-face FSC
meeting 18-20 June 2007.
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IFCS/FSC/07.06
5.2
Scheduling - host/venue, date
The Secretariat referred to the statement by the Government of Senegal at Forum V confirming its interest
and offer to host Forum VI in Senegal. The Secretariat and IFCS VP African Region have communicated
with and held discussions with the representative of Senegal to ensure the government is informed on the
host government requirements and responsibilities as well as the process for submission of an official
proposal. In order to ensure adequate planning and organization time for Forum VI, the Secretariat
requested the FSC to consider a time frame for taking a decision on the host for Forum VI so that this
information could be conveyed to the Government of Senegal. The President proposed a deadline of May
2007. C. N. Sylla expressed agreement with this timeline and requested the Secretariat to send a letter to
his Government conveying the information.
The Secretariat recalled that IFCS participants have expressed strong support for convening Forum VI in
the African region, the only region yet to host a session of the Forum. She informed the FSC on
alternative backup meeting arrangements should Senegal or another African country not be able to make
the necessary arrangements to host Forum VI. The President, with the assistance of the Executive
Director, UNEP and M. Younes, Head, Chemicals Branch, UNEP, reserved the UN conference facilities
at the UN Gigiri Compound in Nairobi for 13-19 September 2008.
6.
INFOCAP
The Secretariat provided background information on the origins of INFOCAP, the mandate given to the
IFCS Secretariat and FSC during the start-up phase of INFOCAP and the advice and recommendations
concerning the future operation and permanent host made by the ICCM and in the SAICM OPS and GPA.
The SAICM Secretariat is seeking clarification and assurances on several matters concerning the FSC’s
role and responsibility for INFOCAP. The SAICM Secretariat has indicated to that it would not be in a
position to replicate the governance arrangements that applied when INFOCAP was administered by
IFCS including reporting obligations to the FSC as that would be inappropriate for the SAICM secretariat,
maintaining the current INFOCAP steering group and INFOCAP focal points network. The Secretariat
requested the FSC to consider and take a decision on its future role and responsibility for INFOCAP. The
IFCS Secretariat recommends that the FSC relinquish any authority and responsibility for INFOCAP,
recognizing that the IFCS role was on an interim basis during the start up phase of INFOCAP and those
interests of governments and organizations will be dealt with by the ICCM in the new international
framework for chemicals management.
G. Wiser sought clarification on the statement by UNEP that the intention of the SAICM Secretariat was
to administer INFOCAP on a trial basis. M. Gubb stated that the SAICM Secretariat would report to
ICCM2 on its experience administering INFOCAP as part of the clearing house function and ICCM2 may
make recommendations on its future operation.
M. Luxem suggested that the letter to UNEP state that it was understood that the SAICM Secretariat shall
endeavour to host, operate and administer the INFOCAP system in the most efficient and practical way to
achieve the overall goal and objectives of the network. This would address what was understood as
concerns of the SAICM Secretariat.
The FSC agreed to relinquish its authority and responsibility for INFOCAP. The President requested that
the Secretariat finalize the letter and send a copy for information to the FSC.
7.
Working Group on the future of IFCS
The President noted that the Working Group on the Future of IFCS was established by Forum V as a
separate distinct WG and it was not under the responsibility of the FSC, although its work was relevant to
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the preparations of the agenda for Forum VI. The 1st meeting of the WG would immediately follow the
74th FSC teleconference. He asked the FSC if there were any questions. There were none.
8.
SAICM implementation – update
M. Gubb informed the FSC that a draft business plan for the SAICM Quick Start Programme (QSP) is
currently under development and will be submitted to the QSP Executive Board at its next meeting on 2324 April 2007. A first draft of the business plan is now available on the SAICM web site:
http://www.chem.unep.ch/saicm/qsp/business_plan.htm and comments are invited on the draft by 9 March
2007. A meeting for Arab countries on implementation of SAICM will be held in Cairo, Egypt, from 1 to
2 April 2007. Information and documents are available on the SAICM website 1. The second round of
applications to the Quick Start Programme Trust Fund is now open for applications and the deadline for
their submission is 16 April 2007.
9.
Other Business
K. Kunzer announced that she would be retiring from ICCA prior to the FSC meeting in June. She
expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work with the FSC. Her replacement is not yet been
selected. The information will be communicated when available.
10.
Next Meeting
The FSC considered the need and feasibility of scheduling a teleconference prior to the FSC face-to-face
meeting in June. The FSC agreed not to schedule a teleconference prior to the June meeting to allow
sufficient time for the small drafting groups preparing papers on proposed topics for Forum VI to
complete their work.
G. Karlaganis stated that the Government of Switzerland was pleased to host the FSC meeting 18-19 June
2007. The meeting will be held at a conference facility in Jongny, Switzerland, easily accessible from
Geneva or Zurich via train. Letters of invitation and information on local arrangements will be sent by the
Secretariat in the next several weeks.
1
http://www.chem.unep.ch/saicm/meeting/arabsubreg/april07/default.htm
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IFCS/FSC/07.06
Annex
IFCS Forum VI – Proposed Topics Working List
Based on list of possible topics for future Forums agreed by Forum V
Topic1
Nanoparticles, nanomaterials,
nanotechnology: opportunities and
challenges
Lead
Georg Karlaganis, Switzerland
georg.karlaganis@buwal.admin.ch
Lead & Cadmium
Monika Luxem, Germany
monika.luxem@bmu.bund.de
Substitution/alternatives
Thomas Jakl, Austria
thomas.jakl@lebensministerium.at
Ecologically sound and integrated pest and
vector management
Nassereddin Heidari, Islamic Rep. Iran
nheidari@mfa.gov.ir
To be confirmed
Precaution – sharing experiences in
implementation
Nassereddin Heidari, Islamic Rep. Iran
nheidari@mfa.gov.ir
To be confirmed
OHS
Nassereddin Heidari, Islamic Rep. Iran
nheidari@mfa.gov.ir
To be confirmed
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Drafting Group members/contributors2
Monika Luxem, Germany
monika.luxem@bmu.bund.de
(will contribute as
possible/times allows)
K-H Choi, R. Korea
Jane Stratford, UK
Rob Visser, OECD
nierchoi@me.go.kr nierchoi@unitel.co.kr
Jane.Stratford@defra.gsi.gov.uk
robert.visser@oecd.org
Philippe Chemin, France
Philippe.CHEMIN@ecologie.gouv.fr
IFCS/FSC/07.06 rev1
Table C referred to in the SAICM Global
Plan of Action
Collect information on
Ongoing work & activities on topics
1
2
IFCS Secretariat
ifcs@who.int
Poverty reduction, widening gap and illegal traffic as cross cutting issues to be taken into consideration as relevant for each topic
IOMC member organizations invited to participate in groups drafting proposals on topics in which their organization is actively working to inform discussion and avoid duplication of work
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