The Sixth Session of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety was hosted by the Government of Senegal, in Dakar, from Monday 15 to Friday 19 September 2008. Seventy-one governments participated in the meeting, together with representatives from twelve intergovernmental organizations (IGO) and representatives from thirty-nine non-governmental organizations (NGO).
The theme of Forum VI, Global Partnerships for Chemical Safety Contributing to the 2020 Goal, was chosen to bring renewed focus to the integral role partnerships have in achieving the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) goal that by 2020 chemicals are used and produced in ways that lead to the minimization of significant adverse effects on human health and the environment.
The fundamental working premise of the IFCS is to enable and engage all relevant stakeholders in the dialogue with an aim to understand everyone's issues and concerns. The contribution of all relevant stakeholders is important to formulate practical solutions, actions and strategies to address issues and concerns arising from the use of hazardous chemicals. Following the guidance provided by IFCS participants at Forum V and the invitation of the International Conference on Chemicals Management in February 2006, Forum VI provided countries and other stakeholders the opportunity to consider their priority topics and emphasize their special needs and concerns with respect to improving chemicals management. The plenary topics at Forum VI included nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials: opportunities and challenges; substitution and alternatives; international transport of lead and cadmium via trade: an international concern?; and ecologically based integrated pest management and integrated vector management: key elements of pesticide risk reduction strategies.