IFCS/FSC/06.22 rev1
18 May 2006
67th Forum Standing Committee Meeting
27-29 March 2006
Budapest, Hungary
FINAL MEETING REPORT
1.0
Opening
The IFCS President, S. Wilbulpolprasert, welcomed participants1, and thanked the Government of Hungary
for hosting the meeting. He noted that this is a particularly important meeting, as the Forum Standing
Committee (FSC) must finalize the agenda and programme for Forum V.
Dr Gabor Kapocs, Deputy Secretary of State, Ministry of Health, welcomed participants on behalf of the
Hungarian Government. He emphasized Hungary's commitment to chemical safety stressing the importance
of prevention of negative impacts from the use of chemicals while enjoying their advantages. He paid tribute
to the work and accomplishments of the IFCS and expressed high appreciation for the contribution that Prof
Gyorgy Ungvary has made nationally, regionally and internationally.
2.0
Adoption of Agenda
The proposed agenda (Document: IFCS/FSC/06.12 rev1) was adopted. The President requested J. Katima
to serve as co-chair of the meeting and to chair a session should the President be unable to attend. J.
Katima agreed to the arrangement.
3.0
Acceptance of Record of 66th Meeting
The record of the 66th meeting (IFCS/FSC/06.11 rev1) was accepted.
4.0
Forum V - Theme: Chemical Safety for Sustainable Development
4.1
Local arrangements/organization - update
Chemol Travel, the conference organizer engaged by the Government of Hungary, made a presentation on
the conference facilities, Budapest Congress & World Trade Center, and provide information on conference
hotel arrangements, local transportation and other related matters.
4.2
Agenda and programme
The President stated that the FSC must consider and take final decisions on plenary/decision items during
the meeting so that the preparations for Forum V could be successfully completed. The Secretariat reviewed
the procedures and process for preparing the agenda for sessions of the Forum referring to the following
IFCS documents:
IFCS Terms of Reference (IFCS/FORUM III/ 23w Annex 1)
Agenda
The Secretariat, in consultation with and under the guidance of the President of the Forum,
shall prepare a Provisional Agenda for each session of the Forum, including a recommendation for
the meeting rapporteur. Any participant in the Forum may request the Secretariat to include

14.
1
List of Participants - Annex 1
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specific items in the Provisional Agenda prior to its distribution. The Provisional Agenda shall be
communicated to all participants in the Forum at least two months before the opening of the
session. After the communication of the Provisional Agenda and before the adoption of the Agenda
by the Forum, participants may propose only items of an important and urgent nature.
Forum Standing Committee Terms of Reference (IFCS/FORUM III/23w Annex5):
Role and responsibilities

The Forum Standing Committee will guide the process of development of meeting materials and
documents following the practice of lead country/sponsor/organization approach to preparing
materials for agenda items.
The Secretariat also reviewed the types and structure of official Forum meeting documents that have been
established by the FSC ( IFCS/FSC/01.63rev2).
4.2.1
Plenary/Decision items
4.2.1.1 Forum V Plenary Open Information/Discussion Session on Applying Precaution in the Context of
Chemicals Safety ( IFCS/FSC/06.08 rev2)
The Secretariat introduced the proposal providing background information on its origin. The idea was put
forth by the Secretariat in response to the difficulties encountered in the SAICM negotiations and the
number of developing and CEIT country delegates that had contacted the IFCS Secretariat for information
as they did not understand what the substantive issues and obstacles in the debate on precaution were that
blocked agreement and action. The Secretariat explored the idea of an open information/discussion session
on the topic at Forum V with a number of IFCS participants and receiving positive support prepared a
proposal which the FSC had considered at its previous teleconference. The FSC had established a Working
Group (Co-Chairs J. Stober and J. Tickner) to finalize the proposal and agreed to consider the final draft at
its meeting in Budapest 27-29 March 2006.
J. Tickner provide information on the content of the proposal and the process the WG undertook to prepare
the paper. He presented the rationale and proposed objectives and organization of the session highlighting
the major areas to be discussed and resolved.
FSC input on the "objectives" included the following points:

Relationship to science/based on scientific evidence - note science always contains a degree
of uncertainty

Cost effective socio-economic considerations

Terminology - use the term "precaution" as it avoids the difficulties with the terminology of
precautionary principle/approach

Major issue for trade unions who, recognizing the lack of understanding and clear explanations
aim for agreement and common understanding

Address issue of what the difficulties are in the opening presentation setting the scene but not
as a legal analysis; address issue of complexity of topic but focus on how to take action

Avoid definitions/defining

Useful to have a dialogue how applied in practice and tools used; case examples would be
constructive and a dialogue to overcome difficulties that block positive action

focus on commonalities in case studies

prepare global guidelines - harmonize use of precaution at global level

cite SAICM OPS text on risk reduction and ICCMM Resolution requesting that IFCS play role
in the implementation of SAICM
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FSC provided the following input on the structure of the Forum V plenary session:

G. Karlaganis offered F. Perrez, Switzerland to make the opening overview presentation

Include case study examples of lessons learnt when things do not go as planned (ref. Late
lessons from early warnings: the precautionary principle 1896-2000 EEA Environment issue
report No 22)

Examples helpful but not sufficient - focus on national implementation for better common
understanding how to use

Reflect regional diversity and balance of issues
The FSC agreed to include the topic in the Forum V plenary agenda and to prepare two documents for the
Forum V session: a Thought Starter based on the FSC meeting document and a Background Information
document comprising a compilation of information, examples and tools submitted by countries and other
stakeholders in response to a written request and interviews. The FSC agreed Goals/Objectives, workplan
and potential session topics/case examples are presented in Annex 2. The WG was charged to undertake
the preparation of the documents and the organization of the plenary session. Additional members for the
WG should be communicated to the Secretariat by the end of the week.
4.2.1.2 MDGs as levers for advancing international chemicals management
P. Silkavaute informed the FSC on the President's communications with Jeffry Sachs. Jeffry Sachs is
unavailable to participate in Forum V or to contribute to the preparation of a meeting document of the topic
of MDGs and chemicals management. The Secretariat raised the question whether or not given the short
time remaining prior to Forum V if work could be undertaken to adequately prepare a substantive and
valuable plenary item? She recalled previous FSC meeting discussions where the FSC had acknowledged
the necessity of involving other experts. In the absence of a positive response from J. Sachs - can any of
the FSC recommend another person to prepare the paper?
M. Dreyer offered to assume the leadership to prepare item for Forum V assuming the role previous
undertaken by Matthias Kern. He expressed the view that the topic should be broader than MDGs as the
indicators agreed for these are narrow and do not relate directly to health and environment.
FSC had an open discussion on the development of the topic and offered a number of suggestions including
the following:

Focus should relate strongly to SAICM implementation and the statements and commitments of
governments to integrate chemicals management into development assistance

Previous draft of paper had attempted and failed to quantify issues. Any revision should be
more general.

Need for input from development assistance agencies

Linkages should be made to poverty reduction strategies
In response to a question, M. Gubb stated that the SAICM secretariat had not yet considered what guidance
materials for countries may be provided on the issue.
The FSC agreed to include the topic "The Sound Management of Chemicals and Poverty Reduction" on the
Forum V plenary agenda. The session will focus on:

How unsound use of chemicals undermines development goals

How sound management of chemicals contributes to fighting poverty
A WG chaired by M. Dreyer was established to prepare the Forum Thought Starter paper and organize the
session. R. Visser agreed to provide contact names of IOMC partners at the World Bank and UNDP to M.
Dreyer and inform other IOMC partners of an open invitation to participate if they so wished. FSC members
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were asked to forward to M. Dreyer and the Secretariat names of others interested and available to
contribute to the WG.
4.2.1.3 Consolidated International Data Base on Hazardous Properties of Substances
The Secretariat presented the background and status of discussion on the proposal for a Forum V plenary
agenda item on the topic of a Consolidated International Data Base on Hazardous Properties of Substances.
The organization of a side event to inform on existing and planned publicly available sources of information
on hazard data/hazardous properties of substances is being considered. The side event is being considered
to respond to the need for information on how existing efforts respond to the Forum IV recommendation. If
present efforts do not completely respond to the recommendation - are there practical ways to suggest that
the Forum IV recommendation be more fully addressed to meet the needs particularly of developing
countries and CEIT? The Secretariat has proposed to the US EPA, a lead sponsor of the OECD Global
HPV Portal Project, that they organize such a side event together with Dr Phil Wexler, NIH, USA who is
organizing a side event on his project World Library of Toxicology, Chemical Safety and Environmental
Health. J. Shoaff informed the FSC that he discussed the request with P. Wexler and P. Wexler was open
to broadening the scope of his planned side event and will organize it to address the broader issues.
B. Erikson requested that the side event in addressing the important topics of availability and accessibility
consider the availability of MSDS. MDSDs were often the only sources of information for workers and the
quality of the information provided was in many cases questionable. Making them available would provide
the opportunity to comment and hopefully result in improved quality. K. Kunzer was requested to provide
information from industry on how MDSD are made available. S. Clarkson was requested to contact the
UNECE GHS SC Canadian Chair for information on how the issue of MDSD, which are integral to GHS,
are taken up in the GHS implementation efforts and how the topic is being addressed in the UNITAR/ILO
GHS Capacity Building Programme. This information will be considered with the side event presentations.
The FSC agreed that this topic would be addressed in a side event to be organized by the US and not
scheduled as a plenary decision item.
4.2.1.4 Future of IFCS (IFCS/FSC/06.14)
G. Karlaganis presented the draft Thought Starter on the Future of the IFCS that had been prepared by the
FSC WG. He informed the FSC on the process used to prepare the draft and reviewed the contents of the
paper highlighting points and items he considered important. A draft decision for Forum V was presented in
Annex 3 . The decision was drafted to include proposed revised terms of reference (TOR) to be prepared by
the FSC. Other IFCS adopted guidelines concerning Officers, the FSC and NFPs as well as elections
needed to be reviewed in conjunction with the discussion on revised TOR for IFCS. G. Karlaganis then led a
section by section review of the document.
Sections 1., 2. and 3.1 received no comments and were accepted as drafted.
Section 3.2 Possible future role of IFCS
FSC members made the following observations and points:
 consider in the future what would be discussed by IFCS, why these issues, how results used and added
value of that result vs SAICM process or similar process in IGOs
o issues identified in SAICM OPS and GPA for future discussion such as: PBTs, vPvBs, CMRs,
heavy metals;
o many issues in GPA are in need of further examination and discussion to support
implementation
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





o reports will be made available to ICCM and other international chemical regimes
o Section 3.3 covers added value
ICCM held an open discussion and made a clear conscience decision (Resolution 3) to request IFCS to
continue a unique role
concerning open brain storming process and connecting issues relevant to SAICM, need to consider
efficiencies of procedures and back to back meetings are one option
paper should specify clearer link with SAICM process - issues where IFCS has a unique role to play;
period until ICCM2 is a critical time as the it is the period beginning SAICM implementation - SAICM
ICCM intersessional work limited to regional meetings and Quick Start Programme (QSP) Executive
Board Meetings - for at least next 3 years these are important reasons for IFCS to continue, need to
keep stakeholders talking to each other which IFCS has a proven track record of achieving; should
define role for this period and then judge future after ICCM2
consider options including sun setting IFCS
include what the ramifications of sun setting of IFCS would be i.e. what would not be done;
elements in section 3.2 are things not done elsewhere - if IFCS does not exist then these functions will
not be done
o openness of discussions, collective brainstorming among all stakeholders
o open dialogue on difficult questions;
o ability to get partners to sit together and hash out problems/issues
o discussion not blocked by political positioning
o opportunity to discuss emerging issues and trigger innovative ways of working at national and
other levels
o capability to create working groups to bring stakeholders together - only fora where this
capability exists
M. Gubb provided the following information on SAICM intersessional work:
 Regional group meetings - the secretariat envisions to have 2 rounds before ICCM2
 Regional Focal Points - remains to be seen what can be made of network
 QSP Executive Board - responsibilities are potentially wide ranging as the scope of the QSP
 ICCM rules of procedure: open ended working group will be convened prior to ICCM2 to draft probably 6 months before
The President observed that no members disagreed with or challenged the possible role presented in
section 3.2.
Section 3.3 received no comments and was accepted as drafted.
Section 4.0 Actions requested by Forum V
G. Karlaganis requested FSC guidance on the structure and content of revised Terms of Reference (TOR)
and related guidelines on Officers, FSC and NFP.
FSC made the following observations and points:
 TOR must link to SAICM process
 TOR must continue to provide existing flexibility in process and procedures
 TOR para 1.4 should correspond to section 3.2 in Thought Starter
 the type of credentials or accreditation of government representatives should be considered in light of
the proposed future role and functions; one possibility was to establish a system similar to that used by
OECD e.g. designation through UN Mission in Geneva
 decision making process - should this remain the same
 scheduling of sessions - include options, flexibility
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
streamlining and more efficient ways of working - less costs and bureaucracy - should be considered;
e.g. smaller meetings, no officers
o VPs important to maintain as link with region group members provides representation and
legitimating mechanism
o IFCS experience with ISG meetings - fundamental operating procedure of openness and
transparency of meetings resulted in minimally smaller participation in meetings; resources
required for preparations of ISG meetings were on the same scale as full Forum sessions
o FSC - important component to drive process
o recent experience showed scheduling of IFCS meetings back to back with other international
meetings resulted in only small cost savings
On Wednesday morning, G. Karlaganis presented a revised draft Thought Starter and proposed revisions to
the FSC Terms of Reference and Guidelines for NFP. No revisions were proposed for the guidelines on the
Role of the President or Regional Roles and Responsibilities for Vice Presidents. The revision incorporated
the comments and suggestions of FSC members. He highlighted the particular sections in the text where
the link and relevance of the future IFCS work to the SAICM process was expressed. He did not see his
mandate to include the option to sun set IFCS. His vision for the next 3 years was to continue with FSC
teleconferences, convene 2 face to face FSC meetings and Forum VI in the late 3rd quarter or early 4th
quarter of 2008 preferable in Africa. He noted the offer of Senegal at Forum IV to host Forum VI and offered
the Geneva Conference Centre as an alternative location should it not be possible to convene Forum VI in
Senegal or another African country. This work schedule would allow the Forum to uniquely contribute in the
intersessional period before ICCM2 and to provide timely contributes to ICCM2. In response to the previous
day's discussion, he proposed that the Forum V agenda include a discussion session on possible future
topics for the Forum. He said the Swiss government would be happy to host one FSC face to face meeting
during the period and the President agreed that Thailand would be willing to host a second FSC meeting in
the Spring of 2008 outside Bangkok.
U. Schlottmann and other FSC members expressed support for the 3 year vision presented by G.
Karlaganis. U. Schlottmann expressed the view that in the end ICCM and IFCS should come together, but
time was needed to analyse how this should be achieved.
M. Gubb said that future ICCM meetings were proposed to be held back to back with IGO governing body
meetings and the planning for ICCM2 was proceeding for it to be held back to back with the World Health
Assembly in 2009. He observed that it may be more practical to schedule FVI in the 3rd or 4th quarter of
2008 as suggested by G. Karlaganis. The President asked the FSC if could accept G. Karlaganis's proposal
for Forum VI. No objections were raised.
Concerning the sustainability of financing for IFCS, FSC members made the following observations:
 Future funding requirements should be estimated based on the proposed future role and functioning of
the IFCS
 It is important to distinguish between the components of resources for IFCS:
o Trust Fund for administrative costs
o Twinning Funds for developing country and NGO participation in Forum sessions
o In-kind resources - traditionally have been substantive and important for the IFCS established
way of working - in the proposed future role it may be important to be able to provided limited
amount of funding support for scientist/experts from developing country who are not
government staff
o Forum sessions - host country is responsible for all organizational administrative costs of
Forum session except twinning
 FSC members had responsibilities to assist with fund raising
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
IFCS budget not large relative to other UN bodies and departments
S. Clarkson noted that only his department in Canada contributed to IFCS and will continue funding
contributions at some level. E. Nieto said the Asia Pacific region wanted IFCS to continue and the 49
countries in region will look for resources. U. Schlottmann said the FSC should reflect on the issue of
streamlining to reduce bureaucracy. He believed the IFCS accomplished a tremendous amount in its way of
working with a small secretariat.
G. Bengtsson proposed that the FSC should consider a contingency plan if the necessary staff contract
arrangements can not be made. J. Katima, session Chair, said the FSC could discuss contingency plan but
not part of the work preparing the Thought Starter.
J. Katima, session Chair, summarized stating that the ICCM had requested the IFCS to continue. Members
who wished to propose other options, including sun setting, could prepare additional documents and make
the proposal during the plenary discussions at Forum V. In such a manner, the thought starter provides
background and options on possible roles for the Future of IFCS, but it may not propose multiple options for
consideration and does not represent the breadth of discussions that may be had on the issue at Forum V.
G. Karlaganis said he had taken note of any additional comments and they could be accommodated. He
proposed the following process to finalize the Thought Starter:
 complete revised version of Thought Starter to be distributed by 7 April to WG for comment
 WG submit comments in writing (track changes) by 21 April
 if no substantive comments, then the Thought Starter finalized and distributed for information to FSC at
May teleconference; if substantive comments, then FSC discuss and finalize during May teleconference.
The FSC agreed to the process.
4.2.1.5 Heavy metals - need for further global action ?
G. Karlaganis provided information on the objectives and agenda for Swiss sponsored side event on heavy
metals to be held on 23 September 2006 immediately prior to Forum V. He said the side event supports the
WSSD Plan of Implementation item on chemicals managements and the SAICM Overarching Policy
Strategy risk reduction objectives as well as implementation of activities in the SAICM Global Plan of Action.
He noted that the outcome of UNEP's work on mercury, lead and cadmium has addressed numerous
aspects of the issues related to exposure and related environmental and human health concerns, but does
not address them comprehensively. The response to the invitation by UNEP, through a letter dated 20 May
2005, inviting Governments, particularly those of developing countries and countries with economy in
transition, and other stakeholders to identify, in consultation with stakeholders, priority partnership areas as
soon as possible, with the goal of identifying a set of pilot partnerships by 1 September 2005 has been
limited : responses had been received only from 18 Governments (5 of which are OECD Member States)
and one non-governmental organization. The aim of the side event is to provide the opportunity to discuss
sources of exposure and solutions to problems through a case studies approach - which will help to identify
obstacles faced by developing countries and countries with economy in transition and find out their
particular needs. A discussion in Forum V plenary will provide an additional important opportunity to further
examine the issues and problems - the output may be a compilation of the items identified for which the
Forum V may wish to consider in the immediate future. This would help provide guidance to countries who
are eager to start implementing SAICM and follow up on the heavy metals priorities.
General comments from the FSC:

K. Kunzer noted the difficulty of using the term "heavy metals" as it was not defined. The
SAICM documents refer to "mercury and other metals".

Good to identify some of the under recognized sources of exposure
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

Global needs should include all regions and all sectors
Questions for open discussion session should focus on commonalities of areas and topics
listed; what items need global support in order to be addressed
The FSC agreed to include the outcome of the side event on the Forum V plenary agenda for further
discussion of the topic Heavy metals - need for further global action?
4.2.1.6 Administrative items

The issue of the FSC Terms of Reference, National Focal Points and Officers Guidelines, elections and
future finances were addressed under agenda item 4.2.1.4.

Forum V rapporteur - proposals
The Forum will designate the individual to serve as meeting rapporteur at the Opening Session. The
Secretariat described the role of the rapporteur who oversees the process of preparing the meeting report.
Lead sponsors for Forum Plenary agenda items have the main responsibility for drafting any Forum
decisions or recommendations as well as the relevant section in Meeting Summary Report on their agenda
items. The rapporteur prepares the meeting report based on their input.
FSC members agreed to send proposals to Secretariat by 1 September 2006 and to consider the
nominations at its teleconference in early September.
4.2.1.7 Other Plenary/Decision items on specific topics

Toys and chemical safety
J. Weinberg proposed the topic of toys and chemicals safety be included in the agenda noting that it was an
issue being addressed in the US and European Union countries and raised the question of the situation in
developing countries. It was a cross cutting issue where actions and practice can be based on substantive
evidence. Products taken off the market in developing countries remained available in the market in
developing countries. Information on different approaches - regulatory and voluntary - would provide
practical examples. The topic was different in character than those to be addressed in the session on
precaution and went beyond the issue of metals. J. Katima supported the proposal stating that developing
countries faced a major problem with the influx of second hand toys. He noted that the problems posed
could be due to ignorance.
The proposal was supported by the FSC and the Secretariat agreed to take the lead in preparing the Forum
V meeting paper and organizing the plenary session. FSC members were requested to send nominations
for working group members to the IFCS Secretariat by 10 April 2006. Noting it will be important to have
nominations of those who are knowledgeable about the issue and particularly from developing countries
who are informed on any special circumstances and issues in developing countries, all regional
representatives and NGO members were requested to provide nominations. J. Shoaff offered to contact the
Consumers Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Consumers Union in the USA to provide input; K.
Kunzer agreed to discuss with industry the participation of representatives and S. Rengam agreed to
provide a contact at Consumers International.
4.2.2
Opening Session (IFCS/FSC/06.19)
The FSC agreed that the Opening Session will be held Monday 25 September 2006 at 10h00.
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
Representative of Government of Hungary
Z. Szabo informed the FSC that the President of Hungary had accepted the invitation to make an address at
the Opening Session. In addition, the Minister of Health would also make a statement.2

Keynote address
Thailand provided an update on the invitations to Hon. Prof. Wangari M. Maathai, EBS, M.P., Assistant
Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Kenya and Prof. J. Sachs. As reported under agenda item
4.2.1.2, Prof Sachs had declined the invitation to make a keynote address at Forum V. Prof Wangari 's staff
expressed her interest as the Forum's work meets her priority work areas for 2006 and requested more
information on the IFCS. Letters providing information and encouraging her to accept the invitation had been
sent by M. Ciraj and H. Calvacanti, but a response had not yet been received.
The FSC was asked to consider other possible candidates as there was room in the programme for more
than 1 keynote address. Suggestions brought forth included:

Nobel Laureate chemist from USA (U. Schlottmann)

President of Slovenia (M. Ciraj) - he had participated in UNCED and supports and encourages
sustainable development via a number of channels including a non-governmental organization that he
leads. M. Ciraj noted that she had not yet explored the possibility with his office, but was willing to do so.

Spanish Minister of Environment (B. Erikson) - female politician who could provide a focus on
commitment and influence

Prominent scientist in health area

Iranian Vice President and Minister of Environment (A. Mousavi)

Woman working a grass roots level for sustainable development (President) - S. Rengam supported the
proposal and agreed to work with President to identify individuals

Lecture from scientist working in Hungarian Ministry of Health (Z. Szabo)
The FSC advised that the President in consultation with the Secretariat pursue the following:

Prof Wangari - continue to explore participation with a deadline for confirmation set at 31 May 2006

The following proposals will be informally explored and information will be provided by 30 April 2006:
o President of Slovenia - invite in capacity of NGO (M. Ciraj)
o Minister of Environment, Spain (B. Erikson)
o Vice President and Minister of Environment, Iran (A. Mousavi)
o Grass roots panel of women - focus on what happens at the local level (S. Rengam with input from
FSC)
The FSC will consider the organization of the Opening Session further at its next teleconference.

Awards
The Secretariat reviewed the types of IFCS awards (Award of Merit and Special Recognition Award)
and the nomination and selection process. The nominations received were under review by the President
and Vice Presidents. Recommendations would be presented to the FSC in May.
4.2.3
Monitoring Progress
4.2.3.1 President's Progress Report including 12 Year History of IFCS - draft (IFCS/FSC/06.15)
Note from Secretariat: In subsequent discussions, Z. Szabo informed the Secretariat that the Hungarian Minister of
Environment was available also to participate in the Opening Session and address the Forum.
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P. Slikavute provided a status report on the drafting of the various chapters and requested input specifically
on chapters 2 and 3. The President's Progess Report is included as part of chapter 3. J. Weinberg kindly
accepted to write chapter 4 in April/May. Reviewers had not ye been identified for all the chapters. The first
full draft will be available in July and the document will be finished in August.
B. Erikson noted that chapter 1 needed to include minor chemical incidents and also suggested that chapter
5 The Way Forward would be more appropriately placed as an Introduction or Preamble.
The President explained that the Report on the 12 year history of IFCS was his personal idea to prepare
and it would be an INF document for Forum V. He said the document needed to be short so it would be read.
In response to a question concerning the report's relationship to the Simple Indicators of progress report
(IFCS/FSC/06.09 rev1), the Secretariat explained the history, development and process for preparing the
Simple Indicators Progress 2004-2005 Report of National Governments. The Report provides a quantitative
summary of submissions but no analysis as this was to be covered in the President's Progress report. It will
be continually updated until Forum V as new reports are received from IFCS National Focal Points. She
indicated that this would be the last year for the Report as the ICCM has assumed the responsibility for
monitoring progress and had given the task of collecting information to the SAICM secretariat. J. Shoaff
noted the value of having consistent and thorough information provided by such a Report and B. Erikson
said the experience of the IFCS and FSC input should be passed on to the SAICM secretariat.
4.2.3.2 Reports requested by previous Forum sessions
The Secretariat reviewed the information provided in the FSC working paper (IFCS/FSC/04.06rev4) noting
the status of each item and suggested how each might be reported to Forum V. The FSC agreed that all
the items, with exceptions as noted below, will be included in the President's progress Report.
4.2.3.2a INFOCAP (IFCS/FSC/06.17)
U. Schlottmann proposed and the FSC agreed to include brief information on INFOCAP in the President's
Progress Report and to also prepare a separate INF paper to inform on INFOCAP and the events since
Forum IV. This would keep INFOCAP in the forefront.
4.2.3.2b Addressing the widening Gap Initiative (IFCS/FSC/06.18)
The Secretariat and A. Mousavi presented the meeting paper providing an update to the FSC on the
activities and efforts on the initiative since Forum IV. U. Schlottmann expressed support for reporting
progress in both the President's Progress Report and in a separate INF paper. He said a plenary discussion
would draw attention to the slow progress and help to stimulate ideas.
The FSC considered how to provide a report to Forum V and if a plenary discussion on the topic could
provide new concrete ideas that would be constructive. G. Bengtsson suggested that it may be premature to
have a plenary discussion and it may be better to schedule a discussion in a side event. M. Dreyer support a
plenary session as the issue was directly linked to the poverty reduction/MDGs topic.
J. Weinberg offered that the problem was not one of providing advise and information, but of providing
assistance. He requested M. Gibb to provide information on the SAICM secretariats activities specifically the
function to provide assistance in preparing project proposals. M. Gibb said that the link was recognized
including the role and functions of the Quick Start Programme (QSP), but at this time no action has been
taken on it as the priority was to get resources in place and the secretariat established.
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B. Erikson expressed the hope that a plenary session could identify solutions. He noted that SAICM focuses
mainly on what governments can and should do, but others such as industry and public interest NGOs had
the ability to contribute. He hoped that a plenary discussion would offer the opportunity to look for new
partnerships and encourage the SAICM secretariat to give priority to the matter. K. Kunzer said that industry
was willing to contribute to the session information on the role they can play in capacity building.
A. Mousavi agreed to lead the organization of a session for Forum V. He also agreed to bring to the agenda
of the QSP Executive Board meeting in late April the report of the Expert Group for consideration and follow
up commitment. In consultation with a number of FSC members, he suggested that a plenary session may
include several items: 1) progress report, and 2) south-south cooperation. They had also considered the
topic of the "double standard" of multi national practice in industrialized and developing countries, but had put
that aside due to lack of time to prepare. The Secretariat had drawn their attention to the related Forum III
agreed action item and recommendation on "Information Exchange for Chemical Production Decision
Making" that had not yet been acted on.
Concerning the south-south cooperation, the FSC considered that this should not be seen as a shift in
burden from developed to developing countries. The topic should only go forward if at least 2 or 3 countries
were willing to serve as the nucleus and commit domestic resources for this. The President and A. Mousavi
agreed that Thailand and Iran would discuss the matter within their governments and report back on the
possibility of leading the work. The secretariat noted that a function of the SAICM secretariat is to promote
the establishment of networks of SAICM stakeholders and suggested that support might be explored from
this source. If a commitment was obtained from two or more governments, then a thought starter paper
would be prepared and side event organized for Monday lunch time with the outcome of the discussions
brought forward to plenary.
The FSC agreed that:
- a brief progress report on the Widening Gap initiative would be included in the President's Progress Report
and a separate more detailed INF progress report document would be prepared
- a plenary session on Address the Widening Gap among countries in following chemical safety polices
would be included in the Forum V agenda;
o A. Mousavi would lead the organization of the session
o the session would include a progress report
o if commitments from several developing countries to support a south-south cooperation initiative for
assistance in chemicals management were obtained, a side event would be organized to discuss
the matter and its outcome brought forward to plenary.
- A. Mousavi will bring to the agenda of the QSP Executive Board meeting in late April the report of the
Expert Group for consideration and follow up commitment.
4.2.3.2c Others
Prevention of Illegal International Traffic in Toxic and Dangerous Products
A. Olanipekun said that there was no progress in getting UNEP Focal Points to bring the issue forward to the
agenda of the UNEP Governing Council and there had been no action by the IOMC organizations on the
IFCS Priority for Action (F1) adopted in 2000. Illegal international traffic was included in the SAICM OPS as
an objective and specific activities to address the objective were included in the SAICM Global Plan of Action.
She suggested that IFCS might give guidance to SAICM on how the activities could be carried out.
M. Gubb informed the FSC that UNEP was organizing a symposium in November 2006 to identify what the
problems are and what obstacles and gaps exist. He said that SAICM regional meetings held prior to the
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symposium would have the opportunity to discuss the topic and provide input to the symposium. He
suggested that the President write to UNEP for more information. The Secretariat suggested that UNEP
could be invited to submit a report for Forum V in the manner of a room document. The Secretariat noted
that the Commission on Human Rights had for some time a Special Rapporteur on the subject of illegal traffic
and a number of reports had been prepared that could provide information for the symposium. She
suggested that the Special Rapporteur be invited to participate in the symposium.
GHS
G. Karlaganis proposed that UNITAR and ILO be invited to organize a side event similar to the one they
sponsored during the ICCM with the objective of providing an update on their organizations capacity building
activities. R. Visser agreed to transmit the request to UNITAR and ILO and suggested that other
organization may also be interested in participating in a side event if organized. K. Kunzer said industry
would contribute providing information on its capacity building work.
4.2.4
Side Events
4.2.4.1 Heavy Metals - 23 September 2006 (IFCS/FSC/06 INF7, IFCS/FSC/06 INF8, IFCS/FSC/06 INF9)
G. Karlaganis updated the FSC on the planning for the side event. He requested assistance from R. Visser to
arrange the presenters from UNIDO and UN ECE. R. Visser agreed to contact UNIDO, but not UNECE as he
has no responsibility for UN ECE. Working Group lunches on each metal will be organized and nominations
for co-chairs/co-rapporteurs are sought. Countries and other participants will be invited to distribute
materials and discussion on experiences will be encouraged during the working lunches.
4.2.4.2 Clean Production & Clean Technology
R. Visser stated that he had requested information from UNIDO but had not yet received it. It could be
discussed at the IOMC/IOCC meeting in April. J. Weinberg suggested that the event include the topic of
artisinal mining. J. Shoaff expressed the US interest in collaborating on the side event, but has not yet been
able to discuss the matter with UNIDO.
4.2.4.3 Ecologically sound and integrated pest and vector management
S. Rengam informed the FSC that she discussed the side event with R. Quijano and PAN planned to
organize the side event as proposed. The event will also address the issue of pesticide poisoning and
include case studies.
4.2.4.4 Others
 World Library of Toxicology, Chemical Safety, and Environmental Health (IFCS/FSC/06 INF3)
Information on this side event was provided to FSC for its 64th Meeting, 13 October 2005 and was
discussed under agenda item 4.2.1.3 Consolidated International Data Base on Hazardous Properties of
Substances. P. Wexler, the sponsor, has requested the side event be scheduled for Tuesday, lunch time.

Essential role pf public interest NGOs and civil society
J. Weinberg announced that a side event on this topic was being considered.

Asbestos - a global threat
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B. Erikson announced that a side event on asbestos was under consideration. A decision would be made by
late June/early July.
4.2.5
Exhibits
Chemol Travel, the conference organizers engaged by the Government of Hungary, provided initial
information on the arrangements available. A range of booth sizes at different costs would be available. The
exhibit area is located in a heavily trafficked main hallway area near the snack bar. Details will be provided
to the IFCS Secretariat and made available on the Forum V website. The Secretariat clarified that exhibit
space was available to IFCS participants only and not to commercial enterprises.
4.2.6
Time schedule for Forum V (IFCS/FSC/06.16)
The FSC to considered the scheduling of working day, order of items and allocation of time for
presentation/introduction of item and discussion and programme items.
The FSC considered the importance of regional group discussions on topics after they had been presented
in plenary and agreed to schedule a half day for these on Wednesday. The FSC requested the Hungarian
local organizing committee to organize field trips on Thursday afternoon similar to the trips organized during
Forum IV. Field trips would provide interesting educational value while at the same time allowing adequate
time for preparing the meeting report.
The Secretariat presented a draft General Time Schedule based on the agreed plenary agenda items and
other requests. The FSC agreed to the draft as presented in Annex 3.
4.2.7
Communications and media
The Secretariat informed that FSC that the ENB will be covering Forum V. She recalled the experience and
results from previous sessions of the Forum. A significant effort had been made to attract the attention of
the media around the world with very limited success. She suggested that limited time and resources, if
any, be spent on this for Forum V. She requested that the FSC consider if any additional media outreach
should be undertaken and if so how and by whom?
A number of FSC members were of the opinion that unless there was a controversial or new topic or a world
renown keynote speaker the Forum V agenda would not be of general interest to the press. The Hungarian
Government offered to seek the advice and assistance of the media office at the Ministry of Health. The
possibility of a press conference following the Opening Session in which the Hungarian President,
Hungarian Ministers, IFCS President and keynote speaker(s) would participate would be explored once the
keynote speaker(s) had been confirmed. The FSC accepted with appreciation the offer from Hungary.
4.2.8
Time schedule for FV preparations
The Secretariat presented a revised time schedule. The schedule was amended to take into account the
FSC decisions during its meeting. The schedule would be kept in constant review by the FSC as
preparations for Forum V progressed.
4.3
VP Reports on Regional Activities
E. Nieto provided a detailed report on regional efforts in 2005 and a proposed regional framework for
activities in 2006. The report covered workshops held and planned on regional identified priority topics. A
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proposal for funding support for a regional meeting in the Philippines prior to Forum V has been submitted to
OPCW. It was hoped to organize the meeting in August 2006. The VP regional report will be made available
on the IFCS website.
J. Katima reported that the African region had concentrated its efforts in 2005 on SAICM including IFCS
contributions to the SAICM development process. Initial contact had been made with OPCW concerning the
organization of a workshop on illegal traffic, but due to scheduling difficulties the discussion had been put on
hold.
J. Shoaff reported that a WEOG teleconference had been held the previous week to exchange views on the
agenda for forum V, the future of IFCS and Twinning support. U. Schlottmann requested that the WEOG VP
convene a regional WEOG meeting on 24 September 2006 prior to the start of Forum V.
4.4
IFCS Champions Reports President
The President requested the Secretariat to update the FSC on recent activities of the Champions Groups.
The Secretariat informed the FSC that the Children & Chemical Safety Group had published a Global Guide
to Resource to support the implantation of the Forum IV recommendations. The Guide was available on the
IFCS website and in printed format in 3 languages (E, F, S). Similar web based resource guides were under
preparation by the OSH Champions Group and the ATP Champions Group. Members of the children &
Chemical Safety Champion Group were actively promoting action on the Forum IV recommendations at a
range of national and international meetings, the most recent was at the Occupational and Environmental
Health: Emergencies in Developing Countries held Feb28 - Mar3, 2006 in Quito, Ecuador.
The Secretariat agreed to assist the President's advisors in obtaining information on the efforts of the
Champions Groups for the President's progress Report.
4.5
Communications
Agenda item not taken up.
4.6
FCS Financial Report - Status report (IFCS/FSC/06.17)
The Secretariat presented the financial report providing an update on the contributions received. Sufficient
funds had been received for the IFCS Trust Fund to adequately support the preparations for Forum V.
Germany, Switzerland and Sweden each had made substantive additional contributions to the Trust Fund.
The Trust Fund needs to have an available balance of approximately 400 000USD at the end of September
2006 to support the secretariat. WHO has instituted new rules and procedures concerning staff contracts
that applied to IFCS secretariat staff.
The Secretariat reported on the status of the Twinning Funds to support participation in Forum V. It was
estimated that 315 000 USD was needed. Funding request letters had been sent to key donors in February
following the advice of the FSC. The list of recipients was provided in an annex to the financial report.
J. Weinberg said it was likely that the public interest NGOs would be convening a meeting prior to Forum V
in Budapest and were hoping that the IFCS NGO Twinning Fund would be able to support participation in
Forum V. The Secretariat said that if funds were available they wished to make similar arrangements with
the NGOs as was done for Forum IV as these provided the most cost effective means of supporting
participation.
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Members suggested sending Funding request letters all the OECD countries, even those that had
previously indicated that they would not be able to make a contribution. U. Schlottmann requested that FSC
members consider who might be approach with a funding request and make additional proposals later in the
meeting. He said that Germany would respond positively to the request. He asked the Secretariat how the
funds should be specified - NGO or governments. The Secretariat said it would be best to allow for the
greatest flexibility - to make undesignated contributions. G. Kalaganis pledged 50 000 CHF from Switzerland
in 2006. He has contacted SDC with a funding request for Forum V Twinning and requested the Secretariat
to also write a request letter to the Director.
Concerning the funds needed in September 2006 to support the secretariat in 2007, U. Schlottmann stated
that Germany would be making its usual contribution to IFCS in 2007, but it would be impossible to
contribute 2007 funds early. He asked that the President write to the WHO Director General to request an
exemption to the WHO rules for IFCS staff. The President agreed to do so.
4.7
Senior Professor Service for Sustainability and Chemical Safety: A Curricular Model for M. Sc.
Courses for Natural Scientists in the Developing Countries
U. Schlottmann provided the FSC with an update on the good progress made. The Senior Professor Service
for Sustainability and Chemical Safety has received the German UNESCO Prize. Other chemical societies
would be contacted soon and invited to participate. The project has initiated partnership discussions with
Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia . Prof. Hopf and Prof. Bahadir have planned a visit to there with the aim
of learning about the chemistry department, discussing mutually interesting aspects of the project with
colleagues and the responsible persons in the adminsitration in order to prepare a Dual Degree Agreement
between the universities. They will also give lectures on several topics. U. Schlottmann agreed to provide a 1
page report to the President for the Progress report.
4.8
Follow-up to any outstanding agenda item business
Provisional Agenda for Forum V (IFCS/FSC/06.21)
The Secretariat presented the draft Provisional Agenda for Forum V (Annex 4). The draft incorporated the
decisions taken by the FSC during the meeting. J. Shoaff inquired as to which items were decision items.
The Secretariat stated that Thought Starter papers were being prepared for the agenda chemicals
management topics and that it was up to participants at Forum V to propose any actions or
recommendations for agreement and adoption by the Forum. In addition Forum V was requested to take a
decision on the future of IFCS. The President referred to the IFCS Terms of Reference which allows any
participants to propose and agenda item before the adoption of the Agenda by the Forum. The FSC
supported the draft agenda and agreed to submit to the Secretariat any revisions to topic titles by Friday 31
March 2006.
Other items
Follow-up discussions on other items is reported under respective agenda items.
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4.9
SAICM - Implementation update
M. Gubb in his capacity as SAICM Secretariat provide an update on the work efforts since ICCM. The issue
of the ICCM meeting report was awaiting clearance by the ICCM President and rapporteur. The secretariat
was focusing on the practical aspects of establishing itself. Meetings of the QSP Implementing Committee
and Executive Board have been scheduled for late April. The processes for requesting designation of focal
points - regional, national and NGO - had been initiated. Planning discussions for regional meetings were
under way and it was anticipated, pending funding support, that an African regional meeting would be
convened in early September 2006 in Cairo. Initial discussion on the information clearing housing function
had taken place and the secretariat will be contacting IFCS in the near future to discuss INFOCAP. The
QSP Trust Fund administration would be established in Nairobi in early April and the available funds in 2006
were estimated between 4 and 5 million USD.
4.10
Other business
Forum V - government participation
U. Schlottmann requested that the FSC reflect on ways to improve government participation at Forum V and
discuss the matter at the next FSC teleconference.
Sino-German Symposium on Chemical Management
U. Schlottmann informed members on the plans for a Sino-German Symposium on Chemical Management
to beheld 10-12 July 2006 in Beijing. The agenda included a range of topics such as chemical industry trade
issues, legislation, implementation of international agreements, OECD mutual acceptance of data
programme, chemical accidents and emergencies.
Next FSC teleconferences/meetings
The following meeting schedule was agreed:
12 May 2006 68th Teleconference
28 June 2006 69th Teleconference
5 September 2006 70Th Teleconference
24 September 2006 71st Meeting, Budapest, Forum V
The FSC agreed to consider the need for additional teleconference as the work in preparing Forum V
progressed.
Closure
The J. Katima in his capacity as co chairman, thanked the FSC for their commitment and contributions to
the meeting. He also thanked the IFCS Secretariat for their support in organizing the meeting, and the
Government of Hungary for the excellent arrangement in hosting the meeting.
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Annex 1
Governments
Canada
Dr Steve Clarkson
Director
Environmental Contaminants Bureau, Health Canada
Room 5-079
269 Laurier Avenue West
Address locator 4905C
Ottawa ON K1A0K9
Canada
Tel: +1 613 957 3133
Fax: +1 613 952 9798
Email: steve_clarkson@hc-sc.gc.ca
China
Ms Yingwa Shen
Deputy Director
Chemical Registration Center
SEPA
No. 8 Dayangfang
Anwai
Beijing 100012
China
Tel: +86 10 8491 5168
Fax: +86 10 8491 5168
Email: shenyw@crc-sepa.org.cn
Germany
Dr Michael Dreyer
Head of Project
GTZ Convention Project on Chemical Safety
Tulpenfeld 2
Bonn D-53113
Germany
Tel: +49 228 985 7014
Fax: +49 228 985 7018
Email: michael.dreyer@gtz.de
Prof Dr Ulrich Schlottmann
Head, Division of Chemical Safety
Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety
Robert Schuman Platz 3
Bonn 53175
Germany
Tel: +49 228 305 2740
Fax: +49 228 305 3524
Email: ulrich.schlottmann@bmu.bund.de
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Hungary
Dr Zoltán Szabó
Acting Director General
Fodor Jossef National Center for Public Health
Nagyvarad ter 2
Budapest 1096
Hungary
Tel: +36 1 476 11 36
Fax: +36 1 215 68 98
Email: szabozoltan@fjokk.hu
Dr Zoltán Ocskó
Senior Adviser
Ministry of Agriculture
1055 Budapest
Kossuth tér 11
Hungary
Tel: +361 3014515
Fax: +361 3011644
Email: ocskoz@posta.fvm.hu
Dr Kristóf Kozák
Senior Adviser
Ministry of Environment and Water
1011 Budapest
Fő u 44-50
Tel: +361 4573503
Fax: +361 2012491
Email: kozak@mail.kvvm.hu
Dr Zita Fáskerti
Adviser
Ministry of Environment and Water
1011 Budapest
Fő u 44-50
Tel: +361 4573502
Fax: +361 2012846
Email: faskerti@mail.kvvm.hu
Iran
Mr Syed Ali Mohamad Mousavi
Deputy Secretary
National Authority for Chemical Conventions
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the I.R. of Iran
Building 8 West,
Tehran
Iran
Tel: +98 21 61154448 / 61154421
Fax: +98 21 6740094/66740094
Email: sammousavi46@yahoo.com
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Nigeria
Mrs Abiola I. Olanipekun
Chief Environmental Scientist
Special Adviser to IFCS Vice President, African Region
Federal Ministry of Environment
Department of Pollution Control
Plot 444 Aguiy
Ironsi Street
Maitaira, Abuja
Nigeria
Tel: +234 95234119/4136317
+234 802 3175742
Fax: +234 95234119/4136317
Email: abiolanipekun@yahoo.co.uk
Philippines
Dr Ethelyn P. Nieto
Undersecretary
Department of Health
San Lazaro Compound
Rizal Avenue
Sta. Cruz
Manila
Philippines
Tel: +63 711 6067(direct line)
Email: epnieto@co.doh.gov.ph
Slovenia
Dr Marta Ciraj
Director
National Chemicals Bureau
Ministry of Health, National Chemicals Bureau
Mali Trg 6
Ljubljana SI-1000
Slovenia
Tel: +386 1 47 86 039
Mobile: +386 16141769440
Fax: +386 1 47 86 266
Email: marta.ciraj@gov.si
Suriname
Dr Jules F. M. De Kom
Toxicology Focal Point
Secretariat Director
Ministry of Health
H. Arronstraat 64 B
Paramaribo
Suriname
Tel: +597 477601 or 597 44 2222 Ext. 578
Fax: +597473 923
Email: dekomj@sr.net apotheek@azp.sr
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Switzerland
Dr Georg Karlaganis
Head of the Substances, Soil & Biotech. Div.
Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy & Communications
Federal Office for the Environment
Bern CH-3003
Switzerland
Tel: +41 31 32 26 955
Fax: +41 31 32 47 978
Mobile: +41794159962
Email: georg.karlaganis@bafu.admin.ch
Tanzania (United Republic of)
Prof Jamidu Katima
University of Dar es Salaam
PO Box 35131
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania (United Republic of)
Tel: +255 22 2410 754
Email: jamidu_katima@yahoo.co.uk
Thailand
Ms Phattipon AJALANANT
Foreign Relations Officer
International Health Group
Bureau of Policy and Strategy
Office of Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Public Health
Tiwanon Road
Muang District
Nonthaburi 11000
Thailand
Tel: +6625901366
Fax: +6625918562
Email: ajalanan@health2.moph phattipon@yahoo.com
Dr Duangtip Hongsamoot
Pharmacist 8
National Programme on Chemical Safety
Food and Drug Administration
Ministry of Public Health
Tiwanon Road,
Muang District
Nonthaburi 11000
Thailand
Tel: +662 5907021
Fax: +662 5907287
Email: duangtip@health.moph.go.th
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Mrs Supranee Jongdeepaisarl
Program Coordinator for Environmental Research and Development,
Thailand Research Fund
14 th. Floor SM Tower, 979/17-21 Phaholyothin Rd, Sam Sen Nai, Phayathai
Bangkok 10400
Thailand
Tel: +66 2298 0455 Ext.189
Fax: +66 2298 0476
Email: supranee@trf.or.th
Dr Aurus Kongpanich
Pharmacist 7
National Progamme on Chemical Safety
Food and Drug Administration
Ministry of Public Health
Tiwanon Road, Muang District
Nonthaburi 11000
Thailand
Tel: +66 2 590 7289; 590 7021
Fax: +66 2 590 7287
Email: aurus@fda.moph.go.th
Ms Pornpit Silkavute
Research Manager,
Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI)
Ministry of Public Health
Tiwanon Road, Muang District
Nonthaburi 11000
Thailand
Tel: +66 2 951 1286 93 Extn.127
Fax: +66 2 951 1295
Email: pornpit@health.moph.go.th
Dr Suwit Wibulpolprasert
Senior Advisor on Health Economics
The Office of Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Public Health
Tiwanon Road, Muang District
Nonthaburi 11000
Thailand
Tel: +66 2 59 0 1122
Fax: +66 2 59 1 8513
Email: suwit@health.moph.go.th; forum4@health.moph.go.th
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United States of America
Mr John Shoaff
International Coordinator
OPPT US Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington DC 20460
United States of America
Tel: +1 202 564 0531
Fax: +1 202 564 0529
Email: shoaff.john@epa.gov
IGO
IOMC
Dr Robert Visser
Deputy Director, Evnironment Directorate
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
2 rue André Pascal
Paris Cédex 16 F-75775
France
Tel: +33 1 45 24 93 10
Fax: +33 1 45 24 16 75
Email: robert.visser@oecd.org
United Nations Environment Programme
Dr Matthew Gubb
SAICM Secretariat
Chemicals Branch
Division of Technology, Industry and Economics
United Nations Environment Programme
15, Chemin des Anémones
Châtelaine
Geneva CH-1219
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 9178200
Fax: +41 22 7973460
Email: mgubb@chemicals.unep.ch
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NGO
Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology
Dr Irma Makalinao
Associate Professor and Board Member
Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology
c/o University of the Philippines College of Medicine
Department of Pharmcology and Toxicology
547 Pedro Gil Street
Ermita Manila 1000
Philippines
Tel: +63 25218251
Fax: +63 25218251
Email: docirma@mydestiny.net
Environmental Health Fund
Mr Jack Weinberg
Northern Co-Chair
Environmental Health Fund
International POPs Elimination Network
407 South Dearbon, Suite 1500
Chicago IL 60605
United States of America
Tel: +1 312 566 9314
Fax: +1 312 408 0682
Email: jackwein@uic.edu
ICFTU
Mr Bjorn Erikson
Industrial Hygenist
Landsorganisasjonen i Norge
Youngsgaten 11
Oslo N-0181
Norway
Tel: +47 2306 1714
Fax: +47 2306 1753
Email: bjorn.erikson@lo.no
International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA)
Ms Kathleen Kunzer
Senior Director, Global Affairs
American Chemistry Council
1300 Wilson Bourlevard
Arlington VA 22209
United States of America
Tel: +1 703 741 5177
Fax: +1 703 741 6177
Email: kathleen_kunzer@americanchemistry.com
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Pesticide Action Network (PAN)
Ms Sarojeni V. Rengam
Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Asia Pacific
P.O. Box 1170
10850 Penang
Malaysia
Tel: +604 6570271
Fax: +604 6583960
Email: panap@panap.net
Sarojeni.rengam@panap.net
Other
Prof Dr Joel A. Tickner
Special Advisor to IFCS Secretariat
Assistant Professor
University of Massachusetts
Lowell Center for Sustainable Production
One University Avenue
Lowell MA 01854
United States of America
Tel: +1 978 934 2981 Home +1 978-582-3371
Fax: +1 978 934 2025
Email: joel_tickner@uml.edu
Dr Gunnar Bengtsson
Special Advisor to the IFCS President
Luruddsvägen 32
Ekero SE-17854
Sweden
Tel: +46 8 560 20276
Email: gunnarbengt@telia.com
IFCS Secretariat
Dr Judy A. Stober
IFCS Executive Secretary
IFCS
c/o World Health Organization
20 Avenue Appia
CH-1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 7913650
Fax: +41 22 7914875
Email: stoberj@who.int
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Mrs P.E. Lynch-Keep
IFCS Secretariat
c/o World Health Organization
20 Avenue Appia
CH-1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 7913873
Fax: +41 22 7914875
Email: lynchkeepp@who.int
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Annex 2
IFCS Forum V Session on Precaution
As of March 28, 2006 (revision)
Goals/Objectives
The goal of the discussion is not to determine how countries should interpret or implement precaution or
debate definitions of precaution, but rather to understand experiences in applying precaution in chemicals
safety and to identify tools and approaches that are widely applicable across nations to effect more health
and ecosystem protective decisions with regards to chemicals management. This can allow a more open
and fruitful discussion that can provide practical advice and input to advance chemicals safety efforts
particularly at the local level. The use of precaution recognizes that there are different approaches to
decision-making in the face of uncertainty.
The objectives of the Plenary Open Discussion Session are:
1. To advance open dialogue and understanding about how precaution is applied in practice with
regards to chemical safety to protect health and environment and implementation of goals
identified in IFCS declarations and recommendations and the SAICM Overarching Policy Strategy
(OPS).3
In this context, an open dialogue will provide an opportunity to increase understanding of rationales
for applying precaution and the basis of the concerns expressed by some countries regarding
discussions in intergovernmental forums on precaution issues.
2. To discuss practical tools and approaches for implementing precaution in chemicals safety
decision-making.
In this context what are some elements of and range of tools for the application of precaution
decision-making in the context of chemicals safety? Such a discussion will include the different
scientific and regulatory capacities of countries as well as the types of chemical safety concerns
such countries face.
3. To discuss the practical experience of individual countries and other stakeholders with regards to
application of precaution in chemical management activities with the goal of sharing and
developing lessons learnt, both positive and negative.
4. To better understand commonalities and differences in tools and approaches for applying
precaution in chemical safety and to discuss benefits, barriers, needs, and opportunities to help
improve chemicals management at a range of levels as well as potential next steps to achieve this
objective.
This will allow for brainstorming obstacles as well as tools and approaches to assist appropriate
incorporation of precaution in decision making. This will also provide an opportunity to outline what
tools and support could be used in countries to appropriately apply precaution in decision making
with regards to chemicals management. Given the short length of the session, it will also serve to
3
The SAICM OPS refers to appropriate application of the precautionary approach.
26
IFCS/FSC/06.22 rev1
18 May 2006
help outline next steps, such as possibly to outline tools and approaches to assist countries in
applying precaution in chemicals safety and discussions of common understandings.
Workplan for Leading to IFCS Forum V
1. Working group (immediate)
a. Establish Working Group (immediate)
b. Plan regular working group teleconferences
2. Session Structure (April – May 15)
a. Draft and finalize session structure
3. Case examples/presentations (April-August)
a. Finalize list of case examples, including number
b. Develop guidelines for case examples/presentations
c. Hold discussion with case example presenters/panelists
4. Background Thought starter Paper (by May 15)
a. Revise and update background document
i. Background/rationale
ii. Goals/Objectives of session
iii. Session Structure/questions
b. Finalize background thought starter paper for translation
c. Develop final plenary questions
5. Research for information paper (April-August)
a. Determine appropriate way to solicit information from countries and other stakeholders on
current tools/approaches/frameworks for applying precaution in domestic chemicals safety
activities. Determine research questions – ie what is the goal of the research, what
information are we trying to obtain?
b. Develop interview questions for interviews with active IFCS members
Potential Session Topics
General ideas
 Represent a variety of approaches and perspectives from a variety of regions. Focus on
government cases including “new” people.
Overview
 Introduction to the concept of precaution from Rio to Today (Switzerland)
Possible Case examples
 Application of precaution in protection of children’s health
o Hungarian experience in implementation of precaution with respect to children’s health
and chemical safety
 Contribution of science to decision-making under uncertainty
 Lessons learnt from failures to apply precaution – EEA report Late Lessons (question as to which
case from the Late Lessons cases and/or overall lessons)
 Lessons learned from case(s) where application of precaution led to problems (case to be
determined)
 Cases from developing countries – success story and one where issues/barriers faced
 Substitution as an application of precaution
 Phthalates in children’s toys and medical devices (especially neonatal intensive care units).
 WTO SPS and chemical safety
27
IFCS/FSC/06.22 rev1
18 May 2006



Implementation of precaution in the Stockholm Convention
San Francisco City Implementation of precautionary principle ordinance
Green chemistry/design for environment, rapid screening, perfluorinated compounds and Food
Quality Protection Act efforts of USEPA
28
IFCS/FSC/06.22 rev1
18 May 2006
Annex 3
Forum V
Proposed General Time Schedule
29
IFCS/FSC/06.22 rev1
18 May 2006
Friday
22 September
Saturday
23 September
Sunday
24 September
Monday
25 September
0800
0900
0900
1000
Regional Groups
t.b.d.
1000
1100
Swiss Sponsored
1100
1200
Event
Health &
environmental
concerns
associated
with
heavy metals:
global
needs
for
further
action?
Side
1200
1300
1300
1400
1400
1500
1500
1600
R
E
R
G
E
I
G
S
I
T
S
R
T
T
4
President's Progress Report
2Forum
A
I
T
O
I
R
E
G
G
R
P
S
R
E
G
I
S
T
R
1700
1800
FSC2 Meeting
Standing Committee
Wednesday
27 September
FSC
Thursday
28 September
FSC
Friday
29 September
FSC
Regional Groups
t.b.d.
Regional Groups
t.b.d.
Regional Groups
t.b.d.
Regional Groups
t.b.d.
Plenary:
R
Opening
Awards
E
Plenary:
G
Applying precaution
in the context of
chemical safety
Organizational Matters
PPR4
Administrative items
I
Plenary:
Future of IFCS:
Possible future topics for the
Forum
(e.g. PBTs, vPvBs, CMRs)
___
Plenary:
Plenary items brought
back for follow up
consideration
Plenary
Toys & Chemical Safety
S
Elections
T
R
A
N
1600
1700
IPCS INCHEM
(tentative)
Tuesday
26 September
FSC
Side Events
R
Side Event:
A
Hazard Data available sources
(title t.b.d.)
T
Future Meetings
Side Events
Side Events
Review of
conclusions and
recommendations
I
O
Plenary:
N
Future of IFCS
___
Sound Management of
Chemicals
and
Poverty Reduction
Adoption of Report
O
N
Other business
Plenary:
Heavy Metals - need for
further global action?
___
Regional Groups
Field Trips
Addressing the
Widening Gap
30
IFCS/FSC/06.22 rev1
18 May 2006
1800
A
T
I
O
N
(16H0019H00)
Reception hosted by
Switzerland
Reception hosted by
the Government of
Hungary
FSC
t.b.d.
30 minutes after
close of plenary
31
IFCS FSC 06.21
28 March 2006
Annex 4
Chemical Safety for Sustainable Development
PROPOSED PROVISIONAL AGENDA
convening on Monday 25 September 2006 at 10h00
1.
Opening of the meeting
2.
Organizational matters concerning Forum V
-
report on preparations for Forum V
adoption of agenda
adoption of provisional timetable
3.
IFCS administrative items
4.
President’s Progress Report
5.
Future of IFCS
6.
Millenium Development Goals and the Sound Management of Chemicals5
7.
Applying Precaution in the context of chemical safety
8.
Heavy Metals - need for further global action?
9.
Addressing the widening gap among countries in following the chemical safety policies
10.
Toys and chemical safety
11.
Election of IFCS Officers and Forum Standing Committee Members
12.
Future sessions of the Forum
13.
Any other business
14.
Review of conclusions and recommendations
15.
Adoption of Report of the Meeting
16.
Closing of the Meeting
5
Title changed to "The Sound Management of Chemicals and poverty reduction"
32
IFCS FSC 06.21
28 March 2006
33