RFI News

RFI assists United Nations SAICM chemicals initiative with development of tools to measure progress in global chemicals management

October 30, 2007 -The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), a global voluntary initiative, calls for sound management of chemicals by 2020, including phase out of production or restricted use of chemicals and uses that pose an unmanageable risk to human health and the environment.

Reporting by stakeholders on SAICM achievements will be a key tool in assessing progress towards the achievement of the 2020 goal. RFI, an Ottawa-based Canadian firm with long-standing international expertise in development of processes and indicators for performance-based success, and a strong multi-disciplinary chemicals management team, was engaged in the spring of 2007 by Environment Canada to assist the Secretariat of the SAICM to develop a reporting mechanism for use by government, industry, international government organizations and non-government organizations participating in SAICM.

In performing its work, RFI is consulting closely with the SAICM Secretariat's International Project Steering Committee (IPSC) in development of the reporting process and sample indicators that could be used to populate the reporting mechanism. Thus far, three teleconferences have been held with the IPSC to review draft indicators and RFI's proposed methodology. For more information visit the following web site:(http://www.chem.unep.ch/saicm/Reporting/reporting.htm).

The reporting contribution to SAICM is intended to inform deliberations and decision-making at the second session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) scheduled for 2009, as well as other relevant international fora, such as the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), which is scheduled to consider toxic chemicals during its 2010-2011 biennium.

The SAICM was adopted in 2006 in Dubai by ministers, heads of delegation and representatives of civil society and the private sector assembled at the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM). To achieve its goals, the SAICM Overarching Policy Strategy (OPS) includes objectives that will assist developing countries and those with economies-in-transition to improve their capacity for chemicals management, and to accelerate efforts by all countries to strengthen chemicals management so as to reduce risks to human health and the environment.

Dr. Thomas Conway, President of RFI, is leading this RFI project.