ICCM2 2009 - International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM2)

The SAICM Overarching Policy Strategy provides, in paragraph 25, that ICCM2 should be held in 2009 and that, “where appropriate, sessions of the ICCM should be held back-to-back with meetings of the governing bodies of relevant intergovernmental organizations in order to enhance synergies and cost?effectiveness and to promote SAICM’s multi-sectoral nature.” The secretariat organized ICCM2 in Geneva, from 11 to 15 May 2009, immediately before the 62nd World Health Assembly. ICCM2 was itself preceded by the 4th meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the Stockholm Convention.
** the report of ICCM2 will be available shortly**

ICCM2 highlights

- first review of SAICM progress

- first performance of the ICCM’s functions as an overarching global policy forum on chemicals management issues

- an excellent opportunity to engage with senior representatives of Governments and all the main intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations involved in chemicals management work

ICCM2 was the first opportunity to review progress in the implementation of SAICM since its adoption in 2006 and the first time the ICCM performed its official functions as a high-level international forum for multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral discussion and exchange of experience on chemicals management issues. ICCM2 evaluated SAICM implementation so far, addressed emerging policy issues (nanotechnology, chemicals in articles, lead in paint and electronic waste), considered long-term financing of SAICM, took strategic decisions on the future direction of SAICM, determined future reporting arrangements, finalized certain outstanding institutional matters, exchanged scientific and technical information and decided on the budget and activities for the next inter-sessional period.

ICCM2 opened at 10 a.m. on Monday 11 May 2009 at the Centre International de Conférences, Geneva, and closed by 6 p.m. on Friday 15 May 2009. The high-level segment took place on the afternoon of Thursday 14 and morning of Friday 15 May 2009, including formal statements, thematic round tables and other events. Technical briefings and meetings of regional and other groups will be held on Sunday 10 May 2009. An extensive series of side events and exhibitions were held throughout the week. The secretariat thanks the Governments of Australia, the Czech Republic, Denmark,Finland, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland and the European Commission for their generous contributions towards the costs of ICCM2, and the Government of Switzerland and the Canton of Geneva for making conference facilities available through their Building Foundation for International Organisations (FIPOI).