IFCS/FSC/07.30 rev 1
4 February 2008
77th Forum Standing Committee Meeting/Teleconference
11 December 2007
Meeting Summary Report
PARTICIPANTS
Member:
Officer/Government/Organization
Participants & Co-workers
Participated

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

"Co-worker"
Asia & Pacific:
"Co-worker"
"Co-worker"
CEE:
"Co-worker"
SAICM Regional
Focal Point
Slovenia



Mr Eisaku Toda , Japan
Dr Marta Ciraj
Mrs Karmen Krajnc
Absent



SAICM Regional
Focal Point
Suriname
Ms R.E. Morohoi, Romania
SAICM Regional
Focal Point
Switzerland
Mr G. Entenza, Argentina
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 Yu-Fei
Ms Shen Yingwa


Republic of Korea
Dr Kyung-Hee Choi

Thailand
Dr A. Kongphanich &
Ms Attavorrarat for
Drs S. Tiptarodol
& D. Hongsamoot


Belarus
Dr I. Zastenskaya

Latvia
Mr A. Ludborzs
"Co-worker"
LAC:
"Co-worker"
WEOG:
"Co-worker"
Dr J. De Kom
Dr G. Karlaganis







Asia & Pacific:
"Co-worker"
"Co-worker"
CEE:
-1-

1
IFCS/FSC/07.30 rev 1
4 February 2008
Brazil
Ms M.M. Cerqueira

Chile
Emb. C. Maquieira

Austria
Dr T. Jakl
France
Mr P. Chemin
Germany
Ms M. Luxem

ILO
Dr S. Al-Tuwaijri

IOMC Secretariat
Dr T. Meredith
Ms C. Vickers
Industry
Mr M. Gribble for
Mr R. Koch, ICCA

Public Interest
Dr R.F. Quijano, PAN
Mr G. Wiser, CIEL


Labour
Mr B. Erikson, ITUC

Science
Dr L. Corra, ISDE

Forum VI host:
Senegal
Mr N. Sylla
Mr Al O. Niang


SAICM Secretariat
UNEP
Dr M. Gubb

Dr J.A. Stober

LAC:
WEOG:
IOMC
Chair IOCC:
"Co-worker"
NGOs
IFCS Secretariat:
-2-




2
IFCS/FSC/07.30 rev 1
4 February 2008
1.0
Opening
The President welcomed participants to the meeting and introduced the new members. Mr
Philippe Chemin, Deputy Head of the Sub-Division for Products and Wastes, Division for
Pollution and Risk Prevention, Ministry of Environment, France, has joined the FSC as a
WEOG regional representative. Dr Sameera Maziad Al-Tuwaijri, Director, International
Program on Safety and Health at Work and the Environment (SafeWork, ILO HQ, has joined
the FSC in her capacity as the newly elected chair of the IOMC/IOCC.
2.0
Adoption of Agenda
The President presented the Proposed Annotated Agenda (IFCS/FSC/07.27) to the FSC for its
consideration and adoption. The main focus of the meeting is to continue the detailed
planning for Forum VI including a review of information provided by the host government on
the organization and local arrangements. The FSC as specified in its Terms of Reference has
a responsibility to guide the process of preparing meeting materials and documents for
sessions of the Forum following a lead country/sponsor/organization approach. The Proposed
Agenda was adopted.
3.0
Acceptance of the Record of the 76th FSC Meeting
The Draft Record of the 76th FSC Teleconference (IFCS/FSC/07.26) was distributed to the
FSC and other participants on 8 October 2007 for review and comment. No comments or
proposed revisions were received. The Draft Record was accepted.
4.0
Forum VI
4.1
Organizational and Local Arrangements
The Secretariat updated the FSC on its communications and work with the Government of
Senegal on the organizational arrangements for Forum VI. The Secretariat wrote to the
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senegal, immediately following the 76th FSC teleconference to
inform him on the decision of the FSC to designate of Senegal as the host country for Forum
VI. The secretariat prepared and sent to Senegal a Basic Document in questionnaire form to
be completed by Senegal detailing the organizational and local arrangements required to
satisfy the criteria set forth in the IFCS document (IFCS/FORUM-IV/16w, Annex 10) and
which are further elaborated in Hosting Meetings of the Forum Organization and Local
Arrangements Responsibilities of the Host Government. This document together with recent
correspondence with Senegal is provided in a meeting document (IFCS/FSC/07.29). Mr Al
Ousseynou NIANG, Chief of the International Conferences Office, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, has been designated as the primary contact for the host country. Members of the
Local Organizing Committee include Mr Ndiaye Cheikh Sylla, Mr Ousman Sow, and Mr
Mame Baba Cisse from the Ministry of Environment. Senegal has requested a revised
deadline of mid-January 2008 by which to provide the detailed organizational arrangements
for Forum VI.
Mr Niang and Mr Sylla assured the FSC that the necessary requirements would be met and
the information provided to date together with the correspondence form the Minister of
Foreign Affairs stand as the statement of commitment by the Government of Senegal. The
venue facilities available for Forum VI could be viewed on the hotel conference website. In
addition to the experience gained by hosting the POPs COP3 session, the government is
gaining experience by hosting additional major intergovernmental meetings in March 2008 at
the same venue.
-3-
3
IFCS/FSC/07.30 rev 1
4 February 2008
The FSC agreed to the extension stressing the importance of Senegal providing detail
information by mid January 2008 to enable the FSC to evaluate and responsibly provide
advice. G. Karlaganis suggested that it might be beneficial if the secretariat was provided a
contact at the hotel conference facility as an additional source of information. Senegal
responded that it would be best to address all enquiries to the official responsible designated
government authorities and assured members that all requests for information would be
answered promptly and fully. During the Forum itself individual contacts will be designated
for specific functions and arrangements to facilitate the work. N. Heidari requested the host
government to make arrangements with the Meridien President Hotel for accommodations for
all participants at a special affordable conference rate. He noted that the price negotiated for
the POPs COP3 was unaffordable to most participants and the time needed for transport from
hotels in the city was problematic for participants. Senegal said that the number of rooms at
the conference hotel would not be sufficient to accommodate all participants and that the
Meridien President is a five star commercial hotel which limited the ability to negotiate costs.
A range of affordable hotels would be organized.
Senegal stated that the Government has secured all the necessary funds to host Forum VI but
would appreciate and welcome financial contributions and sponsors. FSC members were
encouraged to consider making financial contributions.
4.2
Plenary agenda topics
4.2.1
Ecologically sound and integrated pest and vector management
N. Heidari introduced the revised proposal (IFCS/FSC/07.21 rev 3). He described the
background for the session at Forum VI on IPM and IVM, the objectives of the session and
gave an overview of the proposed list of speakers and plans for the plenary session. He noted
that a number of members of the WG proposed to change the title of the session to accurately
reflect its subject and objectives, but he questioned if this would be allowed procedurally. R.
Quijano on behalf of S. Rengam, co-chair of the WG, stated that the next stage of the work
would be to prepare the Thought Starter paper based on the proposal for the FSC meeting in
Bangkok.
L. Corra stated that it is important that the title effectively communicate to the target audience
the session topic and content. She understood the confusion with the title based on the topic
list from Forum V and supported choosing one of the proposed alternate titles. R. Quijano
requested the FSC to consider and propose alternative language for the title to ensure that the
title for the session subject was technically correct and clearly communicated.
M. Musenga enquired on the possibilities of proposing additional presentations. He wished to
propose a presentation on the experience in Zambia with IVM and malaria control including
the use of DDT. G. Wiser advised the WG to consider the number of planned presentations.
As it is difficult to limit presentations on complex topics to 15 minutes, the proposed number
(introduction + 8 speakers) may be too many to allow sufficient time for discussion. G.
Karlaganis requested additional time to submit comments and input on the proposal.
It was agreed that FSC members would have until 15 January 2008 to provide additional input
on the content, title and proposed presentations.
4.2.2
Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials: opportunities and challenges
G. Karlaganis informed the FSC that the second revision of the Thought Starter (TS) and
plenary programme had been prepared and circulated to the WG for input. Due to the interest
in ethical issues, it is proposed that a side event be organized to allow more time for
-4-
4
IFCS/FSC/07.30 rev 1
4 February 2008
discussion and consideration of this important issue. Work was progressing on schedule to
finalize the paper and programme at the end of January for submission to the FSC for the
meeting in Bangkok.
4.3
Substitution/alternatives
T. Jakl informed the FSC that the WG was advancing well and on schedule for its tasks. The
most recent revision of the TS had received limited input indicating that comments and
suggestions have been well incorporated in to the paper. The proposed programme includes a
presentation on DDT and its alternatives as it was believed that it merited consideration as a
case example with special issues. If the subject will be addressed in the IPM and IVM session,
then an alternative presentation can be arranged. The case examples and tools compilation on
the website already has an impressive number of items and will provide substantive
background information for the session.
4.2.4
Lead & cadmium: need for international action?
M. Luxem informed the FSC that a draft annotated outline for the Forum VI meeting
document was in preparation. The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) has
been engaged to assist with the preparation of the paper and the organization of the
programme. Drafts will be distributed to the WG during the week of 17 December. The
session will focus in the international dimension of concerns arising from the mobility of lead
and cadmium via trade. The session will build on the discussions at Forum V and complement
ongoing work by others. The plenary programme aims to learn from developing countries,
NGOs, business and industry and allow ample room for discussion. She apologized for the
delay in the work, but assured the FSC that the preparations for the session will be completed
on time.
4.3
Opening session – keynote speakers
The Secretariat updated the FSC on the efforts to organize keynote presentations for the
Opening Session of Forum VI. Confirmations from two (2) speakers have been secured. M.
Mussenga met with Mrs Moureen Mwanawasa, the First Lady for the Zambian Government,
and she has agreed to accept an invitation to speak on "Children's Environmental health and
Chemical Safety" as part of her Sustainable Environment programme under the Maureen
Mwanawasa Community Initiative {MMCI} and as the President of the Organisation of
the African First Ladies (OAFLA}. L. Corra and G. Entenza facilitated contact with Dr.
Osvaldo Canziani (Argentina), Co-chair IPCC Panel WG II which covers the health impact
issue. Dr Canziana has agreed to accept an invitation to make a keynote presentation on
"Climate Change, Human Health and Chemiclas Management". Dr Canziani is among those
receiving the Nobel Peace Prize so his presentation will carry a strong message on linkages.
In addition the secretariat is working with Dr Joel Tickner (who led the FSC working group
on the precautionary approach for Forum V) to explore the possibilities of a CEO from a
global industry (a downstream user industry) that has instituted a substantive "green"
programme to make a keynote presentation.
The FSC concurred with the arrangements and formal letters of invitation will now be sent to
Mrs Moureen Mwanawasa and Dr. Osvaldo Canziani.
5.0
Financial Report
Secretariat updated the FSC on fund raising efforts and contributions to the IFCS Trust Fund
and Twinning Funds. Up to date lists of contributions, financial and in-kind, are available on
the IFCS website. Financial contributions have been received from Croatia, Switzerland (to
-5-
5
IFCS/FSC/07.30 rev 1
4 February 2008
support the Forum V session on lead and cadmium), and numerous NGOs and individuals.
Informal pledges have been received from Norway and Spain and M. Musenga is in positive
discussions with the government of Zambia concerning a contribution. In-kind contributions
have been received from Argentina and Germany. The Government of Argentina will
translate the Forum VI meeting documents into Spanish and translate and print a booklet
being prepared by the Children's Champion group on climate change, chemicals and
children's health. Germany has engaged a consultant to assist with the preparation of the
Forum VI meeting document and the organization of the plenary programme for the lead and
cadmium session. The priority fund raising task is to raise sufficient funds to provide travel
support for developing and CIET countries and NGOs. The Swiss Development Corporation
has made a donation of 50 000 CHF to the government Twinning Fund, Trinidad & Tobago
has agreed to support its representative to Forum VI and a proposal to OPCW is under
consideration.
K. Kranjc said that the CEE IFCS VP had written to each of the regional members to
encourage contributions. It is hoped that other countries will follow Croatia in making a
financial contribution.
The FSC is requested to undertake additional fund raising efforts for IFCS to support its work
for the preparation of Forum VI and also participation in Forum VI. Members are encouraged
to think innovatively on ways to make financial and in-kind contributions.
6.0
SAICM Implementation
6.1
Update
The SAICM Secretariat updated the FSC on SAICM implementation efforts including the
upcoming regional and donor meetings, the consultation process on the preparations for
ICCM2 and the replenishment of the QSP TF and next round of applications. Information is
avaiable on the SAICM website.
6.2
INFOCAP
The SAICM secretariat provided information on the status of work to host, operate and
administer the INFOCAP system as part of the SAICM clearing house function. The
Government of Germany has provided the necessary financial resources for an IT consultant
to advise on technical requirements for the installation of INFOCAP and its integration into
the SAICM information clearing house. Modifications to update and improve the useability of
the system will also be considered. The consultant's report with recommendations as to the
possible modifications will be available in early February 2008. The SAICM Secretariat is
seeking input from stakeholders and requested time during the FSC meeting in Bangkok to
present the proposed changes and obtain advice and input from the FSC.
The FSC agreed to allocate one (1) hour during the general meeting for a presentation and
discussion on the proposed changes to the INFOCAP system and suggested that in addition
the SAICM secretariat organize a separate evening session for those most interested for a
more detailed discussion. The FSC requested that the consultant's report be distributed
sufficiently in advance of the meeting to allow FSC member to consult with constituencies. A
suggestion was made that the SAICM secretariat consult with the former members of the
INFOCAP Steering Group to obtain additional advice based on their unique experience.
-6-
6
IFCS/FSC/07.30 rev 1
4 February 2008
7.0
Other business
None.
8.0
Future Meetings
The next FSC meeting will be held 26-28 February 2008 hosted by the Government of
Thailand in Bangkok. The FSC expressed its gratitude to the Government of Thailand for
hosting the meeting and the Government of Switzerland for financially support the meeting
preparatory work and providing travel support to participants from developing countries,
countries in economic transition and NGOs. With the exception of the representatives of
Brazil, Chile and France, all FSC members have responded and confirmed their participation.
The SAICM Regional Focal Points from the African and LAC regions have confirmed their
participation and the SAICM Regional Focal Point from WEOG has informed the secretariat
that she will not be able to participate. Responses are awaited from the SAICM Regional
Focal Points for the Asia-Pacific and CEE regions. The secretariat thanked those members
requesting travel assistance for their timely cooperation which saved over 10 000 USD in the
twinning funds. The proposed agenda for the meeting will be distributed at the end of January
and the primary meeting documents in early February as they are received from the WGs.
The President closed the meeting thanking all members for their participation and
contributions.
-7-
7