IFCS/FSC/08.18
10 July 2008
80th Forum Standing Committee meeting
10 July 2008
DRAFT 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. Heidari


SAICM Regional Focal
Point
Slovenia
Mr Eisaku Toda , Japan

Dr Marta Ciraj
Mrs Karmen Krajnc
Ms L. Tirchila



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
Ms P. Silkavuth for
Dr S. Wibulpolprasert

Africa Region:
Burkino Faso
Prof. Abdouraman Bary

Zambia
Mr M. Musenga

China
Ms Hong Zhou

Dr Kyung-Hee Choi

"Co-worker"
Asia & Pacific:
"Co-worker"
"Co-worker"
CEE:
"Co-worker"
"Co-worker"
LAC:
"Co-worker"
WEOG:
"Co-worker"
Asia & Pacific:
"Co-worker"
SAICM Regional Focal
Point
Suriname
Participated
Absent




Republic of Korea
CEE:
"Co-worker"
Thailand
Mrs A. Leenanithigul
Dr A. Kongphanich

Belarus
Dr I. Zastenskaya

Latvia
Mr A. Ludborzs


IFCS/FSC/08.18
10 July 2008
LAC:
WEOG:
IOMC
Chair IOCC:
"Co-worker"
NGOs
Brazil
Mrs Rudolf Noronha

Chile
Emb. C. Maquieira

Austria

France
Dr T. Jakl
Dr M. Wittman
Mr P. Chemin
Germany
Ms M. Luxem

ILO
Dr S. Al-Tuwaijri

IOMC Secretariat
Dr T. Meredith
Ms C. Vickers


Industry
Representative/designation
awaited

Public Interest
Dr Romy Quijano, PAN
Mr G. Wiser, CIEL

Mr B. Erikson, ITUC
Dr L. Corra, ISDE

Labour
Science



Forum VI host:
Senegal
Mr O. Sow for
Mr N. Sylla

SAICM Secretariat
UNEP
Dr M. Gubb

Dr J.A. Stober

IFCS Secretariat:

IFCS/FSC/08.18
10 July 2008
1.0
Opening
The President welcomed participants to the teleconference. He commended the substantive work that
has been accomplished by the FSC to prepare for Forum VI noting that only a few matters remained to
be considered during the meeting today.
2.0
Adoption of Agenda
The President presented the Proposed Annotated Agenda (IFCS/FSC/08.15) to the Forum Standing
Committee (FSC) for its consideration and adoption. The main focus of the meeting is the continued
detailed planning for Forum including consideration of the organization of the plenary session on the
future of IFCS, organization and scheduling of ad hoc working groups during Forum VI, and review
of the recommendation of the Prize Committee and selection of a recipient from the African region for
an IFCS Special Recognition Award to be presented at Forum VI. The FSC adopted the proposed
agenda.
3.0
Acceptance of the Record of the 79th FSC Meeting
The revised Draft Record of the 79th FSC Teleconference (IFCS/FSC/08.14 rev 1) was accepted.
4.0
Forum VI
4.1
Host government arrangements - update
O. Sow provided an update on the arrangements for Forum VI reporting that the organizational
arrangements were on schedule. Interpreters for the six UN languages meeting the necessary
qualifications have been identified but the high cost of qualified interpreters was an issue of concern.
The government was in the process of looking for less costly interpretation services, but if unable to
find alternate qualified interpreters those already identified from several sources would be engaged for
Forum VI. The Government of Senegal Forum VI web site will go live on Friday 11 July 2008. It
contains local information including hotel accommodations/reservations, transportation and medical
and visa requirements. The secretariat will send an announcement to everyone when the site is
available.
4.2
Agenda and programme
4.2.1
Plenary agenda topics
4.2.1.a Lead sponsor's role and responsibilities during Forum VI
The Secretariat reviewed the lead sponsors' roles and responsibilities for the running of plenary
sessions, facilitating ad hoc working groups, documents produced during the session and the Forum VI
meeting report. The lead sponsor has the responsibility to designate a recorder for his/her topic. The
recorder is responsible for drafting the meetings summary text on the plenary session(s) and preparing
and processing any recommendations, statements or actions. The recorder for each of the plenary topics
will work closely with the rapporteur who will be designated by Forum VI during the Opening session.
The rapporteur has a working responsibility for the preparation of the meeting report. The lead
sponsors were requested to inform the secretariat by 1 September on the individual who will serve as
the topic recorder. A meeting of the recorders with the rapporteur, once designated, would be
convened to review work schedules and processes. The FSC was invited to consider nominations for
rapporteur and convey these to the secretariat as soon as possible.
M. Luxem-Fritsch informed the FSC that Ms Erika Rosenthal, CIEL, will serve as the recorder for the
Pb and Cd topic. G. Karlaganis and M. Wittmann are in the process of identifying a recorder for their
respective topics and invite the FSC to send them suggestions. R. Quijano will consult with N. Heidari
on a recorder for the IVM & IPM topic.
IFCS/FSC/08.18
10 July 2008
4.2.1.b Nanotechnology and Manufactured Nanomaterials: opportunities and challenges
G. Karlaganis, Switzerland, the lead sponsor for the topic Nanotechnology and Manufactured
Nanomaterials: opportunities and challenges, updated the FSC on the organization of the plenary topic.
All speakers have been confirmed and most have submitted an abstract of their planned presentations.
4.2.1.c Substitution and Alternatives
M. Wittmann, Austria, lead sponsor for the topic Substitution and Alternatives, updated the FSC on the
organization of the plenary topic. A speaker from the private sector has been identified - Mr. Streek
from Schuelke-Mayr, a manufacturer of disinfectants. The speakers list is thus confirmed and most
presenters have submitted an abstract. The lead sponsor has begun the work to consider possible
outcomes and the FSC will be kept informed.
4.2.1.d International transport of lead and cadmium via trade: an international concern?
M. Luxem-Fritsch, Germany, lead sponsor for the topic Lead and cadmium - need for international
action? updated the FSC on the organization of the plenary programme and topic. The programme has
been finalized and includes speakers on a range of substantive issues and activities. Unfortunately it has
not been possible to find a speaker from the toy industry nor a speaker on material flows. An abstract
has been requested from all presenters.
In response to a query from M. Musenga, M. Luxem-Fritsch confirmed that she had received his draft
presentation. She has sent him suggestions aimed at increasing the presentation's focus on the specific
questions to be addressed during the session. She will follow up via email with him and proposed that
he seek the input of J. Katima during the SAICM regional meeting in Tanzania next week.
4.2.1.e Ecologically based Integrated Pest Management and Integrated Vector Management: key
elements of pesticide risk reduction strategies
R. Quijano, PAN Asia Pacific, a lead sponsor for the topic Ecologically based Integrated Pest
Management and Integrated Vector Management: key elements of pesticide risk reduction strategies
updated the FSC on the organization of the plenary topic. All speakers are confirmed. He will be in
contact with N. Heirdari, to co lead sponsor, to consider possible outcomes from the session.
4.2.1.f
Future of IFCS
Forum V established a working group to prepare a draft decision on the future role and functions of
IFCS for consideration at Forum VI. The WG has prepared a draft decision document including
proposals for the future role and functions of the IFCS, options for its institutional arrangement, its
possible relationship to the ICCM, and its contribution to the implementation of the SAICM and the
work of other chemicals-related organizations and institutions, for consideration at Forum VI.
The FSC considered the organization of the Forum VI plenary session on the future of IFCS, in
particular the presentation of the draft decision document. It was proposed and agreed that the co-chairs
of the WG on the Future of IFCS should introduce and present the draft decision document in the
plenary session. The President will make an introductory presentation covering the history and
background for the future of IFCS discussion & decision and the process undertaken by the Forum WG
on the Future of IFCS to prepare the draft decision document. J. Katima was requested to present the
details of the draft decision document. The secretariat will contact J. Katima to confirm his willingness
to make the presentations as he was unable to participate in the teleconference.
IFCS/FSC/08.18
10 July 2008
4.2.1.g Forum VI ad hoc WGs
It is anticipated that during the session the Forum will establish ad hoc working groups to further
discuss and/or prepare recommendations for action based on presentations and discussion in plenary
sessions on the substantive topics. Such working groups would meet in the evenings and report back to
plenary on Thursday afternoon, 18 September 2008 and/or as necessary Friday 19 September 2008
when the final report and recommendations will be adopted.
The FSC considered the organization and meeting schedule for envisioned ad hoc working groups that
may be established by Forum VI. It is desired to optimize the ability of participants to participate to
ensure the necessary discussions and work are brought to successful completion. The following is a
listing of the anticipated ad hoc working groups and the number of times/evenings they will need to
meet:
- Future of IFCS (evening Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
- Nanotechnology & manufactured nanomaterials (Tuesday)
- Substitution and alternatives (Wednesday)
- Lead and cadmium in international trade (Wednesday, Thursday)
- IVM & IPM (Thursday)
It was suggested that it would be good to explore in advance who may serve as the chair or co-chair of
anticipated ad hoc WGs. It was proposed and agreed that the lead sponsors of the substantive topics
were in the best position to chair any ad hoc WG on their respective topic as they were the most
knowledgeable on the subject. This would not preclude a co-chair being designated on a case by case
basis.
The FSC considered the role of the chair or co-chairs of the ad hoc WG on the future of IFCS as an
important task. As not all members of the FSC were participating in the teleconference, it was agreed
that FSC members will consider this further with their colleagues and constituents and discuss the issue
with other members of the FSC via email correspondence. The FSC will discuss and decide on a
recommendation at its next meeting on 14 September 2008 in Dakar.
4.2.2
Awards
At its 79th meeting/teleconference the FSC considered the candidates for the IFCS Award of Merit and
Special Recognition Award who were recommended by the Prize Committee. It unanimously agreed to
the recommendations but in doing so it noted the excellent and important work being carried out by
individuals and organizations in Africa, and expressed disappointment with the lack of nominations of
award candidates from the African region. Members expressed the view that Forum VI being convened
in Africa will offer a special opportunity to pay tribute to exceptional work being done in Africa and in
doing so to further raise awareness and generate concrete support for work in the region. The FSC
agreed that the President should discuss with the FSC government representatives from the African
region possible solutions and ways to pay tribute and recognize exceptional work being done in Africa
and report back to the FSC. The group proposed and the FSC agreed that further candidates for the
Special Recognition Award from the African Region be considered in recognition of the special
circumstances of Forum VI being convened in Africa. The period for submission of additional
nominations for the IFCS Special Recognition Award by FSC was opened for two (2) weeks. The Prize
Committee reviewed the nominations and has submitted its recommendation to the FSC for its
consideration.
The FSC unanimously supported the recommendation of the Prize Committee that an IFCS Special
Recognition Award be given to Mrs Abiola Olanipekun, Federal Ministry of Environment, Housing &
Urban Development, Nigeria, at Forum VI.
4.3
Side Events
The secretariat provided an update on the side events being considered by IFCS participants. FAO will
organize a side event on Wednesday on "The Central Role of the FAO’s Code of Conduct for
Pesticides in Achieving Sustainable Chemicals Management"; Toxic Links and IPEN are considering a
side event on an international campaign to phase out lead in paint - this may be combined with the
scheduled IPEN side event on substitution; the side event on progress on global coordination of
IFCS/FSC/08.18
10 July 2008
chemical databases has been cancelled. The secretariat clarified that the side event sponsored by
Sweden was to inform on plans for a workshop on knowledge and information on substances in articles
within the SAICM process, and was not intended to be the workshop itself which will be held in
December 2008 in Bangkok
FSC members were reminded of the agreed deadline of 15 July 2008 for confirming a side event.
5.0
Financial Report
Twinning Funds Status report
The Secretariat provided an update on the IFCS Twinning Fund and the request for travel assistance.
Pledges for contributions from Sweden (approx USD 80,000) and OPCW (approx USD18, 000) have
been received. It is hoped that Slovenia will be able to make the designated contribution (approx
€20,000) to support CEE countries that it mentioned during the last FSC teleconference. If these
pledges are confirmed, then together with the funding provided by lead sponsors for presenters and the
cost sharing proposed arrangements, travel support for participants should be well accommodated.
Funding for two (2) presenters for the IVM & IPM plenary session is still needed.
Financial Statement for Forum VI - draft
The IFCS Terms of Reference state:
15.
Budget and Expenses
15.1
The Forum Standing Committee shall prepare for consideration by each session of
the Forum an estimate of expenditure related to the Forum, the Forum Standing Committee,
and ad hoc Working Groups established by the Forum and a Secretariat, together with
information concerning expenditures for the period since the last Forum. This estimate, with
such modifications as may be considered appropriate by the Forum in the light of potential
funding, shall subsequently be considered in the budget of the Forum.
15.2
Any types of expenses related to participation in the Forum, Forum Standing
Committee, regional meetings or ad hoc Working Groups are to be borne by participants
unless otherwise agreed by the Forum. Nonetheless, the Forum, through its secretariat, shall
undertake efforts towards the obtaining of funding in order to assure the participation of
representatives of developing countries, countries with economies in transition, and nongovernmental organizations.
The secretariat is in the process of preparing a draft Financial Statement for Forum VI reporting on
contributions and expenditures since for V for the Trust Fund, Twinning Funds and designated and inkind contributions. The draft report will be distributed to the FSC for its consideration and input.
Concerning a future budget of the IFCS, the Forum working group on the future of IFCS recognized
that to make an informed decision about the future of IFCS, the Forum should have a sense of the
budgetary costs of each option and its alternatives under its consideration. It requested the IFCS
secretariat, the SAICM secretariat and UNEP to provide this budgetary information in the form a
supplemental paper for Forum VI. The requested information is in preparation and will be submitted to
Forum VI in a separate information document.
6.0
Time schedule for Forum VI preparations
The FSC reviewed its time schedule for Forum VI preparations (IFCS/FSC/07.16 rev 7). No revisions
were proposed at this time.
7.0
SAICM – Implementation update
M. Gubb, SAICM Secretariat updated the FSC on planning for regional meetings in Africa and CEE,
the deadline for the next round of QSP TF proposals, and preparations for the OELTWG meeting in
October 2008. To assist in preparations for the OELTWG stakeholders are invited to complete
IFCS/FSC/08.18
10 July 2008
questionnaires on emerging issues and financial arrangements. In answer to a query, M. Gubb advised
the secretariat to fill out and submit a questionnaire on emerging issues covering the topics addressed at
Forum V and to be addressed at Forum VI. This will facilitate the planning process. The questionnaire
may be supplemented after Forum VI to include the outcome of the session.
8.0
Future Meetings
The next FSC meeting is scheduled for 14 September 2008 14h00 to 15h00, Dakar, Senegal
9.0
Other business
None.
10.0
Closure of the meeting
The President thanked everyone for their participation and continuing contribution to the planning and
organization of Forum VI.