The fourth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM4) (28 September - 2 October 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland) initiated an intersessional process to prepare recommendations regarding the Strategic Approach and the sound management of chemicals and waste beyond 2020 (the Intersessional Process).
Intersessional Process Meetings
The first and second meetings of the Intersessional Process took place 7-9 February, 2017 in Brasilia, Brazil and 13-15 March, 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden. Representatives from about 20 ministries of health from around the world as well as many health-focussed civil society organisations attended each meeting. Participants discussed options for the potential vision, policy principles, objectives and milestones, and implementation arrangements, including finance and governance options for beyond 2020.
At the end of the second session the co-chairs were requested to develop a paper based on the outcomes of the first and second intersessional meetings and take into account stakeholder submissions and the outcomes of recent regional meetings. The paper was used as a basis for discussion at the third Open Ended Working Group meeting, 2-4 April 2019 in Montevideo, Uruguay.
WHO convened health sector panel discussions at both meetings of the intersessional process. Participants shared experiences about chemicals issues and discussed the role the health sector can play in addressing them, both within the health system, as well as by working with others. The road map was highlighted as a good tool for developing national action plans; for individual stakeholders to identify their own priorities for action; to identify priority actions for collaboration with other sectors; and for gaining support from decision-makers. The importance of capacity building and the value of sharing experiences were also highlighted.
WHO also hosted panel sessions on the road map and workbook during SAICM Regional meetings to prepare for the second intersessional meeting held as follows:
- Asian Pacific Region, Bangkok, Thailand, 23-25 January 2018
- Latin America and the Caribbean Region, Panama City, Panama, 23-29 January 2018
- Africa Region, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, 6-8 February 2018
- Central and Eastern Europe Region, Lodz, Poland, 19-21 February 2018.
Panel participants offered examples of how the road map has been instrumental in the implementation of their national chemical safety agenda, and the importance of the health sector being involved in the management of chemicals.