IFCS/FSC/05.10
62ND FORUM STANDING COMMITTEE TELECONFERENCE
TUESDAY, 12 APRIL 2005
FINAL REPORT
PARTICIPANTS
Member: Officer/Government/Organization
Participants & Advisors
President:
President’s office:
President’s Special
Advisers:
Thailand
Thailand
Dr S. Wibulpoprasert
Ms P. Silkavuth


Sweden
Canada
Dr G. Bengtsson
Mr R. Hickman

Tanzania
Prof. J. Katima
Adviser to VP Africa:
Nigeria
Mrs A. Olanipekun

Asia & Pacific:
Philippines
CEE:
Russian Federation
Dr E. Nieto
Ms D. Narvarez
Prof. B. Kurlyandskiy



LAC:
Chile
Mr J. Monreal Urrutia
WEOG:
U.S.A.
Mr C. Auer
Mr C. Blunck
Mr J. Shoaff
Mr W. Allen
Ms A. Bandemehr




Vice-Presidents:
Africa:
Participated





Past President:
Brazil
Mr H. Cavalcanti
Africa Region:
Guinea
Zimbabwe
Mr M. Sylla
Ms N.F. Mondoh
Asia & Pacific:
Fiji
Iran
Japan
China
Ms V. Naidu
Mr Ali Reza Hajizadeh (for
Ambassador S.S.R. Tabatabaei)
Ms Yumiko nombra
Ms Wenchao Zang
CEE:
Kazakhstan
Slovenia
Mr Z. Bekzhanov
Dr M. Ciraj
LAC:
Costa Rica
Suriname
Ing F. Paredes
Dr J.F.M. De Kom
Australia
Mr M. Hyman
Mr D. Atkinson

Dr S. Clarkson
Dr M. Brownstein
Prof. Dr. U. Schlottmann
Dr M. Kern


WEOG:
Canada
Germany
Absent













1
IFCS/FSC/05.10
IOMC
Chair, IOCC:
FAO
Dr N. Van der Graaf
Mr Gero Vaagt
MrBill Murray



Dr T. Meredith
Ms C. Vickers


UNEP
UNIDO
Dr M. Gubb
Mr M. Eisa

Industry
Public Interest
Ms K. Kunzer
Dr R. Quijano
Mr J. Weinberg


Labour
Mr Bjorn Erikson

Science
Dr Irma Makalinao
Prof. R. Awang
Hungary
Prof. G. Ungvary
Dr Aranka Hudak


Dr J.A. Stober
Ms S. Bjorkquist


IOMC Secretariat
IOMC organizations
NGOs
FORUM IV host::
IFCS Secretariat:




2
IFCS/FSC/05.10
1.0 Call to Order
2.0 Roll Call
3.0 Introduction
The President welcomed participants, in particular, Z. Wenchao, the new FSC representative from
China. China, who shares the current term of office with Japan, is replacing Japan on the FSC. Japan,
represented by Y. Nomura, will remain on the FSC as a Special Advisor to the IFCS President.
3.1 Acceptance of the Agenda (IFCS/FSC/05.06)
The proposed agenda was accepted.
3.2 Acceptance of the Record of the 61st meeting (IFSC/FSC/05.05)
The draft record of the 61st meeting was accepted.
4.0 SAICM PrepCom3
4.1 De-brief from SAICM Regional Meetings
African Region Outcomes
A. Olanipekun provided a de-brief on the African Regional SAICM Meeting, held in Saly, Senegal,
from 16-18 March 2005. She noted that representatives from 42 African countries, as well as
several IGOs and NGOs, attended the meeting. The meeting focused on further developing the
views of the African region regarding several SAICM documents, in particular: the high-level
declaration, overarching policy strategy, and the concrete measures. Working Groups were
established in each of these areas. The results of this meeting are detailed in the Report of the 2nd
African Regional Consultation on the Development of a SAICM, which may be viewed at:
http://www.chem.unep.ch/saicm/meeting/afreg/march2005/Default.htm
Further work will be undertaken by the region in advance of PrepCom3, in the following areas:




Financial considerations
Implementation and taking stock of progress
African regional action plan
Principles and approaches
Asia-Pacific Region Outcomes
E. Nieto provided a de-brief on the Asia-Pacific Regional SAICM Meeting, held in Bangkok,
Thailand, from 4-7 April 2005. The meeting focused on further developing the views of the AsiaPacific region regarding the SAICM high-level declaration, overarching policy strategy, and the
concrete measures. With regard to the concrete measures, seven items were chosen as being of
highest priority under objectives two and three, and five were chosen as being of highest priority
under objectives three and four, in order to reach the 2020 goal from Johannesburg.
In discussions on proposed institutional arrangements for SAICM, the region identified the IFCS as a
strong candidate for the SAICM institution and acknowledged that its terms of reference would need to
be amended in order to enable it to act as the SAICM institution. The group requested the FSC to carry
out an evaluation of the proposal against the criteria for the SAICM body proposed by the African region
and amended by the Asia-Pacific region.
3
IFCS/FSC/05.10
The region also invited the SAICM secretariat to carry out an analysis of the pros and cons of the
International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) undertaking the roles of the SAICM
institution.
The report of the meeting will be available shortly on the SAICM website at:
http://www.chem.unep.ch/saicm/meeting/asiapacific/default.htm
4.2 De-brief from EU-JUSCANZ Bilateral Meeting on SAICM
M. Hyman reported that the EU-JUSCANZ group met for a bilateral consultation on the 21st March 2005.
SAICM was only one of several agenda items related to chemicals that was discussed. The SAICM
discussion focused mainly on the outcomes of the African regional meeting. In addition, the group
agreed to intersessional work in the following areas:


Development of an outline of chemicals management principles and systems followed by EUJUSCANZ countries; and,
Recommendations on priorities for the concrete measures.
Institutional arrangements for SAICM oversight were also briefly discussed. A number of countries
expressed support for allocating SAICM oversight responsibilities to UNEP, but no resolution was
reached. A WEOG meeting will be held, likely in early June on the margins of the OECD meeting, to
further discuss SAICM, including institutional arrangements.
K. Kunzer asked if the next meeting will be open to stakeholders outside government. M. Hyman
replied that he is unsure at this point, but will enquire and follow-up.
R. Quijano asked how the EU views the recommendation that came out of the Asia-Pacific meeting, i.e.
that the IFCS is a strong candidate for the SAICM institution. M. Hyman responded that, since the EUJUSCANZ meeting preceded the Asia-Pacific meeting, this recommendation had not been considered.
He also stressed that the discussion on institutional arrangements at the EU-JUSCANZ meeting was
only preliminary.
The IFCS President asked M. Hyman what the rationale is behind the recommendation of some EUJUSCANZ countries to have UNEP as the SAICM Secretariat, and if the meeting had discussed the
future of the IFCS. M. Hyman responded that the support for UNEP's role in SAICM oversight likely
stems from UNEP's substantial involvement on the process to develop a SAICM. He added that there
was also support expressed at the meeting for the IFCS to have a continuing role post-SAICM. In sum,
M. Hyman re-iterated that there is much debate yet to be had, and that no rigid positions have been
formed.
4.3 FSC Inter-session work

Draft Thought-Starter for PrepCom3 - status update
M. Hyman presented an update on the draft Thought Starter for PrepCom3. He reported that this
document is a work in progress. It is intended to present options on international institutional
arrangements post-SAICM, and to explore the implications of those options in a neutral way. The draft
Thought Starter is being used in the SAICM regional meetings as a basis for the discussions on SAICM
institutional arrangements. The regional groups have been requested to provide input to assist the
Working Group in preparing a revised version of the Thought Starter for PrepCom3. M. Hyman thanked
the Working Group for their assistance in preparing this document. He noted that the document is not
perfect, but will hopefully contribute to the debate. The draft Thought Starter will be finalized by the
FSC at its June meeting in Budapest.
4
IFCS/FSC/05.10
The IFCS President asked the FSC how it should respond to the request from the Asia-Pacific region to
carry out an evaluation of the IFCS Terms of Reference against the criteria for the SAICM body, as
developed by the African and Asia-Pacific regions. M. Hyman suggested that the current Thought
Starter Working Group could draft such an evaluation for consideration by the FSC at the June meeting,
and that this could perhaps be added to the Thought Starter as an Annex. M. Hyman offered to lead
this initiative. E. Nieto agreed to join this Working Group.
J. Shoaff raised a concern that, at present, only two regions (Africa and Asia-Pacific) have discussed
the criteria for the SAICM body. Other regions have not yet had the chance to examine this criteria. J.
Stober suggested that the deliberations of the Latin American and Caribbean region and the Central
and Eastern European region could be considered at the end of May when the revised draft of the
Thought Starter will be prepared for discussion at the FSC meeting in Budapest. M. Hyman added that
the Western Europe and Other Group (WEOG) region will not meet until after the FSC Budapest
meeting. The IFCS President suggested that there will be WEOG participation at the FSC Budapest
meeting. M. Hyman agreed, but noted that the WEOG would not yet have a consolidated position.
N. Van der Graaf questioned whether the request for an evaluation of the IFCS Terms of Reference
should come from the SAICM PrepCom, rather than the region. J. Stober responded that the intent at
PrepCom3 is to take a decision on the matter of institutional arrangements. As such, an evaluation
would be needed in advance. N. Van der Graaf suggested that this type of evaluation may be too
complicated for the FSC, as it may be difficult for the FSC to provide a neutral analysis. Furthermore,
he noted that any proposals would have to be carried by the whole of the IFCS.
A. Olanipekun recommended that it would be useful for the FSC to begin an evaluation. She added that
the FSC could undertake a factual analysis of how the IFCS might meet the criteria for a SAICM body,
and that this would not be biased.
R. Quijano supported A. Olanipekun's recommendation. He noted that the request from the Asia-Pacific
region was specific to the FSC and that he does not see any institutional obstacles to moving forward.
This would not be a formal proposal, but a factual review of options. A. Hajizadeh added that he
understands N. Van der Graaf's concern on the sensitivity of the issue, and that it would be good to
have the full IFCS engaged, but that there is a tradition to leave this type of work to the FSC between
sessions. Moreover, this is not a decision on the modifications of the Terms of Reference, but a factual
look at the situation. If decisions need to be made, these can be taken forward at Forum V.
B. Erikson pointed out that at PrepCom2, several countries noted that they do not want the IFCS to
oversee SAICM. He suggested that an analysis of the options (i.e. the strengths and weaknesses) for
institutional arrangements is missing. M. Hyman responded that this issue was raised in the FSC
Working Group on the Thought Starter for PrepCom3, and that the draft Thought Starter invites
comments from the regions on this point. However, the Working Group felt that it would be difficult to do
such an analysis without getting into policy positions. B. Erikson noted that if the FSC is too careful,
decisions will be taken at PrepCom3 without sufficient information and then it will be too late to
comment. M. Hyman offered that, if the FSC would like to undertake this analysis, he is willing to
proceed.
J. Stober suggested that, in order to conduct a balanced assessment, the Working Group could write to
each organization mentioned as an option for the SAICM body and ask for general information on their
ability to undertake such a role. The FSC could then examine this information at the June meeting and
determine how to proceed, based on the responses received. N. Van der Graaf expressed concern with
this approach. He stated that writing to various organizations will not move the discussion any further.
The IOMC can not go further for political reasons. He noted that governments must ultimately make the
determination on who is best suited to oversee SAICM.
M. Brownstein pointed out that, in the draft Thought Starter, the FSC specifically asked the regional
groups for input and advice on how to further develop the document. As such, it is important to respond
5
IFCS/FSC/05.10
to the request of the Asia-Pacific region. C. Blunk agreed with this point, and stressed the need to
consider the output of all the regional meetings.
The FSC decided that:
 The Working Group on the Thought Starter for PrepCom3, led by M. Hyman, should respond to
the request of the Asia-Pacific meeting, and that this should be done in a neutral and objective
manner. The Working Group should consider the outcomes from all regional meetings in
undertaking this analysis, and may also wish to write to relevant parties for further input.
 The Working Group will consider expanding the factual information on the various options to
provide additional information on the advantages and disadvantages in an objective manner.
The Working Group may also wish to write to relevant parties for further input.
4.4 SAICM Expanded Bureau Meeting
M. Gubb confirmed that the dates for the SAICM Expanded Bureau meeting have been set for 28 June 1 July 2005, in Stockholm, Sweden. In addition, a regular Bureau meeting will be held on the afternoon
of the 27 June. For the African region, the expanded bureau members are: Nigeria, Senegal, and
Tanzania. For the Asia Pacific region, the expanded bureau members are: Thailand, Japan, and Iran.
Labor will be represented by B. Erikson (ICFTU). Invitations to the meeting will be issued shortly. It is
expected that the first two days of the meeting will be devoted to discussion of the main SAICM
documents, the final two days will be spent on financial considerations. However, this agenda is not yet
firm. Five NGOs will be invited to participate, representing labor, health, environment, industry and
science. The SAICM Secretariat will work with NGO umbrella organizations, such as IPEN, to assist in
identifying appropriate representatives from the various NGO sectors. Funding will be available for
developing country governments and for countries with economies in transition, as well as for NGOs,
except industry. The IFCS and the IOMC will be invited. Invitations will also go to the World Bank,
UNDP, and the GEF. Two IFCS representatives will be invited: the Secretariat and the IFCS President
(or a representative of the IFCS President).
5.0 Communications
5.1 IFCS communications activities at regional SAICM meetings
African Region
On behalf of J. Katima, S. Bjorkquist de-briefed the FSC on IFCS communications activities at the
African Regional SAICM meeting. An IFCS lunch presentation was held in Saly, Senegal.
Approximately 25 participants attended the meeting. S. Bjorkquist and J. Katima presented an overview
of the IFCS, and J. Katima presented an update on regional activities related to the IFCS. This was a
useful opportunity to raise awareness about the IFCS, as many participants were not familiar with how
the IFCS works.
Asia-Pacific Region
E. Nieto presented an overview of the IFCS side event held during the Asia-Pacific regional meeting on
SAICM. The meeting was attended by approximately 15 IFCS National Focal Points, a number of
NGOs, and the IFCS Secretariat. National Focal Points were reminded on the importance of submitting
the 2004 National Focal Point Indicators of Progress Questionnaire. An overview of progress in the
region on IFCS Priorities for Action and recommendations was presented, and the group reviewed the
status of commitments made in the November 2004 IFCS Asia-Pacific small group meeting, which was
held in Manila, Philippines.
6
IFCS/FSC/05.10
5.2 Planning for communications activities at upcoming SAICM regional meetings
The Central and Eastern European region will hold a one day IFCS meeting in conjunction with the
SAICM regional consultation taking place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, 17-19 May 2005. The agenda for this
meeting is being developed. It is intended that the meeting will focus on a limited number of topics, in
order to ensure time for in-depth discussion. Further details regarding this meeting will be distributed
shortly. Slovenia is supporting several additional participants at the meeting.
No information is available yet regarding plans for IFCS communications activities at the Latin America
and Caribbean region SAICM meeting, to be held in Punta del Este, Uruguay, 27-29 April.
6.0 Widening Gap 1st Expert Group Meeting
A. Hajizadeh provided an update on planning for the 1st Widening Gap Expert Group meeting. The
meeting is tentatively scheduled to be held in Tehran, Iran from 13-15 June 2005, with support from the
Swiss Development Agency and the Government of Thailand. The IOMC organizations have been
invited to attend the meeting as observers, and to provide input based on their capacity building
expertise. In addition, the results from this meeting will be provided to the IOMC for consideration in
preparation of its capacity building strategy. N. Van der Graaf noted that he has not yet discussed this
invitation with the IOMC organizations, but that the IOMC organizations would likely not re-act on an
individual basis.
A. Hajizadeh noted that at the Asia-Pacific regional SAICM meeting, the following item, which has direct
relevance to the Widening Gap initiative, was introduced into the concrete measures table:
Objective 4: Concrete measures addressing capacity building and technical cooperation
Capacity Building to support national actions - activity:
"Establish and implement a process for provision of advice on the systematic implementation
of the activities at national level to achieve the SAICM objectives as delineated by the concrete
measures. The advice would include guidance on coordination and cooperation for technical
and financial assistance as well as their acquisition. The process would support the
development and implementation of national SAICM action plans."
It is intended that a document outlining the results of the 1st Expert Group Meeting and proposed next
steps will be submitted to PrepCom3.
7.0 June FSC Meeting in Budapest
The draft list of agenda items for the June FSC meeting in Budapest (IFCS/FSC/05.08) was provided to
the FSC. FSC members are invited to send any written comments on this agenda to the IFCS
Secretariat as soon as possible.
A. Hudak provided an update on local arrangements for the Budapest meeting. Preparations are now
complete and the details regarding the location and timing for the meeting, as well as hotel information,
are included in the invitation letter which has been sent to all FSC members.
8.0 Forum V Agenda Items and Program
G. Bengtsson noted that a list of prioritized agenda items (IFCS/FSC/05.09) has been prepared by a
Working Group and provided to FSC members for consideration. In advance of the June FSC meeting,
FSC members should consider this list and the amount of time that should be spent on reporting
progress, versus discussing new issues. FSC members should submit their comments, any additional
proposals, and full proposals on meeting agenda items in writing to the IFCS Secretariat by 20 May
2005.
7
IFCS/FSC/05.10
N. Van der Graaf expressed concern with preparing an agenda for Forum V in advance of knowing the
outcome of SAICM PrepCom3. G. Bengtsson replied that the draft list of agenda items takes this into
consideration and captures issues strongly related to the SAICM.
G. Bengtsson also brought forward a proposal to include in the Forum V agenda an item concerning the
Millennium Development Goals as levers for advancing International Chemicals Management. The
FSC agreed that G. Bengtsson, working with M. Kern, should further develop this proposal for
discussion at the FSC meeting in Budapest. K. Kunzer noted that industry has some concerns with the
content of the proposal, and would like to assist in its further development in preparation for Forum V.
9.0 National Focal Point Annual Report
Due to time limitations, this item was not discussed and will be carried forward for review at the FSC
Budapest meeting. The IFCS President encouraged all FSC members to work to ensure that National
Focal Point reports are received from every country.
10.0 Fundraising Update
J. Stober reported that funds have been received from Canada and Japan and pledges from Spain and
VCI, Germany. However, there remains a critical need for further funding to ensure adequate
secretariat support to Forum V, which will need to be discussed at the FSC meeting in Budapest.
11.0 Brief summary on the 12 Years of IFCS Report
The IFCS President reported that work on the 12 Years of IFCS Report is progressing, and that the first
draft should be available by August 2005. The President's Advisors may request interviews with several
FSC members during the June Budapest meeting, to further develop this report.
12.0 Other Business
J. Stober reported that the IFCS has been invited by the Government of Uruguay to co-sponsor, along
with WHO, a side event on children & POPs during Stockholm Convention COP1. The side event has
been scheduled for Wednesday 4 May 2005 commencing at 18h30.
D. Narvaez noted that the health sector input from the Asia-Pacific regional meeting will be added as an
Annex to the formal Asia-Pacific SAICM meeting report.
13.0 Next meeting: Budapest, Hungary, 1-3 June 2005
Proposed dates for additional face-to-face meeting prior to Forum V:
 March or April 2006 Philippines, after ICCM (SAICM)
 February or March 2006 "back-to-back" with ICCM (SAICM)
8