The Third Session of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS or Forum) met in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, from 15 - 20 October 2000.Eighty-three governments, ten intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and twelve nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) participated in the meeting. A summary of outcomes is presented below. A copy of the full meeting report, including a list of participants, can be obtained from the IFCS secretariat.
The theme of Forum III, In Partnership for Global Chemical Safety, was taken up on the opening day by a panel of representatives from the various IFCS groups: governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations. Panelists stressed the importance of commitment and involvement by all stakeholders, and the need for mutual trust and respect, for progress to be made in solving human health and environment problems. Encouraging examples of partnerships in action were given from all perspectives.
Continuing with this theme, the President’s Analysis of Progress report highlighted the commitment of the stakeholders to work together to improve the management of toxic chemicals. It noted both the progress that had been made, and the need for a more complete sharing of information between all IFCS partners to increase the effectiveness of future work.