SAICM/RM/CEE.6/2. Distr.: General 25 January 2018 English only

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1 SAICM/RM/CEE.6/2 Distr.: General 25 January 2018 English only 6 th Central and Eastern Europe regional meeting on the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management Lodz, Poland, February 2018 Item 2 of the provisional agenda* Report of the fifth Central and Eastern European regional meeting on the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), Skopje, Macedonia, 26 September 2013 Note by the secretariat The secretariat has the honour to circulate in the annex to the present note, the report of the fifth Central and Eastern European regional meeting on the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) held in Skopje, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on 26 September 2013 for the information of participants. *SAICM/RM/CEE.6/1

2 SAICM/RM/C EE.6/2 ANNEX SAICM/RM/CEE.5/9 Distr.: General 2 December 2013 English only Fifth Central and Eastern European regional meeting on the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management Skopje, Macedonia, 26 September Report of the fifth Central and Eastern European regional meeting on the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management 1. Opening of the meeting 1. The fifth Central and Eastern European regional meeting on the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management was held at the Continental Hotel, Skopje, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on 26 September The meeting was preceded by a workshop on endocrine-disrupting chemicals on 23 September, an information sharing day to support implementation of the Strategic Approach on 24 September and a Strategic Approach priority-setting workshop on 25 September. 2. Ms. Leonor Alvarado, Coordinator of the Strategic Approach secretariat, opened the meeting thanking the Government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for its generosity and assistance in organizing the meeting. 2. Organizational matters (a) 3. The meeting was conducted in English, the official language of SAICM, with interpretation services provided in Russian given the prevalence of the language in the region. Attendance 4. The meeting was attended by representatives of the following countries: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Hungary, Poland, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovenia and Ukraine. 5. Representatives of the following intergovernmental organizations and regional organizations also attended: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), World Health Organization Regional Office Europe, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Basel Convention Regional Centre Slovakia, Cleaner Production Centre Serbia and the Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX) in its capacity as the Stockholm Convention Regional Centre for Capacity Building and the Transfer of Technology. 6. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the following non-governmental organizations: Bulgarian Chamber of the Chemical Industry and CEFIC, CROP Life International, Eco-Accord, Ecological Society RUZGAR, Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, Health Care Without Harm Europe, International Business Solutions Country, Scientific Ecological Society ECOIL and Women in Europe for a Common Future. 2

3 (b) (c) Election of officers 7. The secretariat reminded participants that Serbia was holding the regional coordination for the region but had resigned from this role since it was elected at the third session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management. In the absence of a regional focal point, the Strategic Approach secretariat suggested to delegates that they may wish to elect two co-chairs and a rapporteur for the meeting. The member of the secretariat reminded delegates that the secretariat has been coordinating the nomination of a new Regional Focal Point and that Russia holds the function of the coordination of the Bureau. 8. Ms. Emilija Kupeva and Mr. Szymon Domagalski were elected co-chairs of the meeting. Ms. Kateřina Šebková agreed to serve as rapporteur for the meeting. 9. It was agreed that a decision on the regional focal point and the Regional Coordination Group membership be deferred to the end of the day under agenda item (9) Other Matters. Adoption of the agenda 10. The agenda was adopted on the basis of the provisional agenda set forth in document SAICM/RM/CEE.5/1 with amendments to agenda item (9) Other Matters to include discussion of the Terms of Reference and the list of members of the Central and Eastern European Regional Coordination Group. The adopted agenda follows: 1. Opening of the meeting 2. Organizational matters a. Election of officers b. Adoption of the agenda c. Organization of work 3. Implementation of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management a. Evaluation of and guidance on the regional implementation, review and updating of the Strategic Approach for the Central and Eastern European region b. Financial and technical resources for implementation c. Quick Start Programme project results from the region d. Emerging policy issues and other issues of concern 4. Implementation of and coherence between international instruments and programmes 5. Information exchange and scientific and technical cooperation 6. Towards the 2020 Goal of Sound Chemicals Management 7. Health sector strategy 8. Preparations for the second meeting of the Open-ended Working Group and the fourth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management 9. Other matters 10. Adoption of the report a. Election of the Regional Focal Point b. Election of sub-regional representatives to the Regional Coordinating Group 11. Closure of the meeting.

4 4 3. Implementation of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (a) Evaluation of and guidance on the regional implementation, review and updating of the Strategic Approach for the Central and Eastern European region 11. The secretariat provided an overview of the reporting process and progress in the implementation of the Strategic Approach. The secretariat prepared a detailed analysis of the status of SAICM implementation in the CEE region to assist the region in identifying gaps and priority actions for the attainment of the 2020 goal (document SAICM/RM/CEE.5/4, Reporting on progress in the implementation of SAICM in the CEE region). 12. The secretariat indicated that the CEE region had the highest level of Strategic Approach reporting from all regions. The information collected during the period indicates significant efforts that the region has made in implementing SAICM activities, particularly in the areas of Illegal International Traffic, Globally Harmonised Systems (GHS), Labelling Standards, and Waste Stream and Hazardous Waste Management. The information has also pointed to a few gaps, specifically in terms of risk reduction, with low usage of IOMC tools and the development of new tools and guidance. Analysis has also been provided to point to possible trends among EU candidate and potential candidate countries, current EU members, and non-eu countries (that are not candidate or potential candidate countries). While some activities were stronger for some countries, there was no discernible trend in terms of the adoption of SAICM and its many parts. 13. The secretariat also highlighted that ICCM3 agreed that the secretariat should develop a second progress report for the period for consideration by the Conference at its fourth session. The Conference encouraged the full use of the results and information collected using the reporting tool for regional consultation and follow-up. The secretariat intends to initiate the second reporting cycle for Strategic Approach progress from January-March 2014 and encouraged all stakeholders in the region to actively participate. 14. Many participants thanked the secretariat for the document SAICM/RM/CEE.5/4 on reporting on progress in the implementation of SAICM in the CEE region. They indicated it was informative and helped provide a clearer picture of the achievements made to date in the region. 15. During the discussion, one stakeholder emphasized the need to ease the burden of reporting on chemicals given to stakeholders and requested greater synergy with information collected under the chemicals multilateral environmental agreements. In response to this, the secretariat noted that it does as much as possible to collect information from existing places. Nevertheless, it is still necessary for SAICM focal points to report. She indicated that the reporting tool is designed to be simple, but also said that it is recommended that internal national consultations are held in advance of filling in the SAICM reporting tool in order to complete the reporting exercise comprehensively. 16. Subsequently, the secretariat provided a summary table of the regional priority setting workshop that took place on Wednesday 25 September (available as meeting document SAICM/RM/CEE.5/3). 17. In the ensuing discussion, a number of participants expressed satisfaction with the priority setting workshop. One participant noted that the meeting has been a good chance to exchange ideas and experiences in support of each other in the region. He encouraged all participants to contribute as much as possible in support of each other. 18. Some edits were agreed to in the summary table. The final table is available in Annex I of this meeting report. In total, 15 basic elements were identified for sound chemicals management in the region, six of these basic elements were considered of greatest priority in the region, namely: a. Poison control centers; b. Management of industrial accidents, including those having transboundary effects; c. Implementation of international chemicals conventions; d. Multi-stakeholder engagement; e. Use of Globally Harmonized System of Classification; f. Training of specialists. 19. In closing the agenda item, the co-chair noted that the Regional Coordination Committee would use the summary table as a basis to further elaborate priority actions for the region in moving

5 (b) forward. In addition, he noted that SAICM is a useful tool for sound management of chemicals and emphasized that the region is devoted to the 2020 goal of sound chemicals management. Financial and technical resources for implementation 20. In introducing the agenda item, the secretariat introduced document SAICM/RM/CEE.5/5 on financial and technical resources for the implementation of SAICM and document SAICM/RM/CEE.5/INF/3 with a summary of projects and activities supported by the GEF funds from its fifth replenishment and document SAICM/RM/CEE:5/INF/14 the terms of reference for a special programme to support institutional strengthening at the national level for implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, the future Minamata Convention and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management. 21. In opening the discussion, one representative raised appreciation that through the GEF replenishment cycle significant resources have been dedicated to fund sound management of chemicals. In doing so, she encouraged the region to continue to promote through their respective GEF constituencies that chemicals management remains a priority in the next programming period and therefore would be granted more funding for this area. In addition, she noted concerns for the lack of funding for the Strategic Approach secretariat, including the withdrawal of secretariat support from the WHO. 22. Many delegates welcomed the integrated approach as a promising avenue in moving forward. A number of delegates welcomed the terms of reference for the Special Programme. At the same time, concerns were raised by many participants for the lack of inclusion of civil society organizations in the Special Programme, noting in particular the significant projects completed by non-government organizations to date under the Quick Start Programme. In reflecting on nongovernment organization participation in the Strategic Approach and the Quick Start Programme, it was proposed by a number of participants that the term civil society organization (CSO) should be used in the future over non-government organization (NGO) because the term CSO may be considered a more inclusive when certain stakeholders do not fit into the NGO category. One delegate indicated that the integrated approach and combining resources is the only way forward in the current global financial situation. Another government noted appreciation that the Special Programme is designed to be country driven at the national level and that it covers the lifecycle of chemicals. 23. A number of questions were raised in terms of any link between the Special Programme and the Quick Start Programme Trust Fund. It was clarified by the secretariat that the Quick Start Programme Trust Fund is open for contributions to 2015 and that it will sunset when the final project completes its activities. The secretariat also noted that the Special Programme is a new programme that will be managed by UNEP, but there is no formal agreement of how the two programmes relate. The Special Programme terms of reference will be presented to the United Nations Environment Assembly in June 2014 for adoption. 24. One participant noted that the Special Programme, like the Quick Start Programme Trust Fund, is still voluntary and still time limited. Another noted concern that setting up a new program will take time and resources and questioned the need when the structure of the Quick Start Programme Trust Fund already exists. A number of governments suggested that the Quick Start Programme Trust Fund, as an existing active programme, should be pursued until One country highlighted its experiences under a Quick Start Programme Trust Fund project to implement a project on mainstreaming, one of the pillars of integrated financing. She noted that sound management of chemicals is now included in the national development strategy of her country. She indicated that the Quick Start Programme provided a good starting point for the country to achieve this outcome and how their experience may be a model other countries in the region may wish to replicate. 26. Overall, the region noted the benefits the Quick Start Programme Trust Fund has brought to the region and believed it has been a useful tool. In that context, they would like to see the Quick Start Programme Trust Fund continue, but they recognize this may not be possible. Some delegates noted concern for the voluntary nature of the Special Programme, but views were divided on this issue. In conclusion, a particular concern raised by the region is the lack of inclusion of civil society organizations within the terms of reference. 27. In closing the agenda item, the chair highlighted the lack of funds for the Strategic Approach secretariat and urged those in a position to do so to provide financial support. In doing so, the region urged those in a position to do so to provide financial support to the secretariat and urged the WHO to enrich its support to the secretariat. 5

6 (c) (d) Quick Start Programme project results from the region 28. Participants had before them document SAICM/RM/CEE.5/6 an update of the status of the Quick Start Programme and its contributions to the CEE region. Since its establishment in 2006, 14 Quick Start Programme projects have been approved in the CEE region, eight of which have completed all project activities and one of which was suspended. 29. During the discussion, one participant encouraged Governments in the region to look for ways to enhance funds for sound chemicals management, such as through mainstreaming and through joint projects with academia. She also indicated that donors usually have chemicals in their donor plans which can help raise funding options for bilateral projects. Another Government noted its appreciation for the Quick Start Programme, noting it is the basis of much of the planning at the national level. It indicated its need for further support from Quick Start Programme or the future Special Programme, noting that this is the case for most of the countries in the region. 30. The region acknowledged that the Quick Start Programme contributed significantly to supporting the region to build capacity for sound chemicals management and noted the need for additional support for sound chemicals management at the national level in order to meet the Strategic Approach 2020 goal. A number of gaps have been identified and the Quick Start Programme could be still used as a possibility to fill such gaps. Emerging policy issues and other issues of concern 31. Participants had before them document SAICM/RM/CEE.5/7, Secretariat update on emerging policy issues and other issues of concern, providing information on progress to date on lead in paint, chemicals in products, nanotechnology and nanomaterials, hazardous substances within the life cycle of electrical and electronic products, and the management of perfluourinated chemicals. Participants attended an Information Sharing Session on Tuesday 24 September featuring a technical information session on a number of the emerging policy issues and other issues of concern, including children s environmental health. Participants also attended the workshop on endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which was held on Monday 23 September 2013, with international experts to further review the state of science and policy development of this issue. In opening this agenda item, the chair noted the value of the technical information sessions in advancing these issues in the region and requested summaries of the to be included in the meeting report. A summary of the Information Sharing Session is available in Annex II to the meeting report. A summary of the EDC session is included in Annex III of the meeting report. Lead in paint 32. Information on activities related to lead in paint as a SAICM emerging policy issue was reported by representatives of WHO Regional Office for Europe and UNEP Regional Office for Europe during the Information Sharing day on 24 September To facilitate phasing out the manufacture and sale of paint containing lead, the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (GAELP) was formed in by UNEP and WHO to cover a wide range of activities, including health and environment aspects, workers, legislation and regulation and outreach to industry. In the discussion at the meeting, a number of government and NGOs announced their participation in the WHO/UNEP campaign to eliminate lead in paint. In addition, other regional concerns such as lead contaminated sites were raised. A number of representatives thanked UNEP and the WHO for the initiatives on lead in paint and encouraged the region to participate in the lead in paint awareness campaign, from October Chemicals in products 33. During the Information Sharing Day on 24 September 2013, a representative of UNEP presented the developments of the project on Chemicals in Products (CiP) since 2009 as well as the plans and initiated work for the second phase that is implementing the resolution ICCM3 on CiP. Participants from both Government institutions, NGOs and academia made a number of suggestions for aspects to be considered in the development of the CiP programme including: information on risk assessments of specific products such as construction materials should be provided, information on components present in high amounts, GHS should be basis for information provided, information on migration and release of substances from products (important for consumers), labels (on health issues ) should be simple to ensure they can benefit consumers, although the CiP may not be legally binding there may be requirements developed from it, needs of vulnerable groups should be considered when developing the type of information to be provided (the Council of Europe is, a human rights organization also active in the area of health and chemicals could be involved), and criteria for 6

7 sustainability with regard to chemical content could be considered and some type of recommendations developed in this regard. Nanotechnology and nanomaterials 34. During the Information Sharing Day on 24 September 2013, UNITAR as the lead on this emerging policy issue hosted a panel session on nanotechnology and manufactured nanomaterials. A number of pilot projects are underway under the leadership of UNITAR. The aim of the pilot projects is increase awareness raising on nano-safety as a key tool for protecting human health and the environment; to strengthen national capacities for management of chemicals in line with Chapter 19 of Agenda 21 of SAICM; and to integrate nano-related safety management into pre-existing programmes for the sounds management of chemicals at the national level. Hazardous substances within the life cycle of electrical and electronic products 35. In opening this discussion item, a representative from UNIDO provided an overview of UNIDO activities in this area. UNIDO indicated an interest in learning more about the needs of the CEE region regarding the management of hazardous substances within the life cycle of e-products. The NIP updates can be used as a first information about the quantities of e-waste in the countries and serve as a starting point for discussions to develop follow up projects on e-waste. Based on the recommendations developed during the workshop held in Vienna in 2011 on this topic, UNIDO was able to strengthen its portfolio with regard to the management of hazardous substances within the life cycle of e-products. So far UNIDO focuses on the implementation of projects on the downstream level. Projects in Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania and Cambodia are under implementation and 2 regional projects are in the pipeline for Latin America and Eastern and South Asia. In addition to its activities on the downstream level UNIDO plans to strengthen its interventions on the upstream level. 36. UNIDO is part of the GPWM and the StEP Initiative and plans to organize a workshop during first quarter of 2014 as a follow-up of the Vienna workshop. The planned workshop should facilitate information exchange between international stakeholders, capture developments since 2011 on hazardous substances within the life cycle of e-products and identify further global needs for the future. 37. In the follow-up discussion, a number of representatives thanked UNIDO for its work in this area. One government noted it had undertaken work on this topic through the update of its National Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention where they have prepared an inventory of presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in electric and electronic equipment. The representative indicated that this experience could be useful to other countries in the region and could be shared at the global workshop proposed by UNIDO. Another government noted that the countries of the region have different perspectives and needs in this area. She noted the need for a legal basis and system in her country to manage hazardous substances within the lifecycle of electrical and electronic products. Overall, participants in the workshop welcomed advancement in this area. Endocrine disrupting chemicals 38. The EDC workshop was convened immediately after the formal opening of the CEE meeting on Monday 23 September. It was facilitated by a consultant representing UNEP and supported by two invited scientific experts, the WHO, OECD and RECETOX. A summary of the outcome of the workshop is available in Annex III to the meeting report. The workshop was assigned to work in discussion groups to address the following: identification of the most important needs in the subregion (information, actions etc.); needs for cross-sectoral cooperation (incl. government-academia ); possible cooperative activities in and among countries in the (sub-) region(s); areas of needs for international support and activities. The results of the two discussions-groups were presented and discussed in plenary and are consolidated in Annex III, incorporating further needs and comments expressed during the plenary discussion. RECETOX indicated the availability of data in some parts of the region and expressed interest in exploring a regional project to set up pilot data on the presence of EDCs in the environment of the whole region. 39. One stakeholder proposed a draft resolution for consideration of meeting participants during the SAICM Regional meeting. The draft resolution builds on the ICCM3 resolution on EDCs and proposed the following: a) Invites UNEP and WHO to develop a regional report on EDCs that is targeted to the situation and needs of developing countries and countries with economies in transition; 7

8 8 b) Encouraged the formation of a multi-stakeholder working group with representation from all United Nations regions; recommended a robust series of awareness-raising activities on EDCs, in regional languages; c) Recommended the case-studies referred to in resolution III/2 F of ICCM3 include five topics; pesticides and the four topics of focus under the Chemicals in Products Project (textiles, children s products, building products, and electrical and electronic products); d) Encouraged all stakeholders to provide all available data using the Strategic Approach clearinghouse. 40. While the region agreed that the concepts outlined in the draft resolution were important, the region could not agree to the draft resolution. The region did agree to take into account that the resolution was proposed and see what could be done with it further in its subsequent meetings. In closing, participants indicated appreciation for the workshop and noted that specific needs may vary due to the diversity of the region. Management of perfluourinated chemicals 41. A representative from the OECD delivered a lunch time presentation on efforts towards the management of perfluourinated chemicals (PFCs). Since ICCM3 the Global PFC Group, led by the UNEP and OECD, has been working on a draft synthesis paper on per- and polyfluorinated chemicals. The paper is available at the following link: It provides a detailed report on PFCs and PFAs and their uses in the industry. The paper also highlights their negative impact, as well as identifying potential alternatives. The paper should help policymakers as it provides regulatory approaches to managing PFCs and determining key areas of concern. 42. In closing her presentation, the representative from the OECD highlighted the need to broaden participation in the Global PFC Group and encouraged the countries in the region to participate. She also encourage participation in a number of upcoming OECD webinars on specific themes: Uses and Scientific Evidence, November/December 2013; Alternatives to long-chain PFCs, January/February 2014; Regulatory approaches, March/April Implementation of and coherence between international instruments and programmes 43. The representative of the secretariat introduced the item recalling resolution II/5 on the indicative staffing table and budget of the SAICM secretariat for the period , adopted at its third session held on September Inter-alia, by this resolution, the Conference invited the Coordinator of the Strategic Approach secretariat and the Joint Executive Secretary of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants to further increase synergies in the implementation of their respective information clearing houses. 44. The representative of the secretariat furthermore recalled the omnibus decision on enhancing cooperation and coordination among the three conventions adopted at the simultaneous extraordinary meetings of the conferences of the parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants held in Geneva, Switzerland from 28 April to 10 May 2013, Section V of the decision, regarding wider cooperation, requests the secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions to further enhance cooperation and coordination with the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management to contribute to meeting the 2020 goal on the sound management of chemicals throughout their lifecycle and of hazardous wastes. 45. As one means of enhancing cooperation and coordination in the area of chemicals management, three regional implementing centers were in attendance throughout the week and provided valuable contributions to the meeting itself as well as during the Information Sharing Day and informal lunch sessions. RECETOX provided a lunch-time presentation on services offered by their facility in the Czech Republic that could contribute to supporting sound chemicals management in the region, and the Cleaner Production Centre of Serbia presented information on their experiences with chemical leasing. 46. Highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) were discussed through a technical information session led by FAO at the information session on 24 September A summary of the discussion is

9 included in Annex II. In response to this discussion, one participant proposed a resolution on HHP recalling the strong support for actions on highly hazardous pesticides expressed at ICCM3. The draft resolution proposed the following: a) Invited the Food and Agricultural Organization to develop an information paper on safer alternatives to HHPs, including ecosystem-based approaches, which is targeted to the situation and needs of developing countries and countries with economies in transition including the CEE region; b) Encouraged countries in the CEE region to perform surveys of HHPs; c) Recommend the Regional Coordination Committee of the CEE region utilize the HHP surveys to collect success stories on HHP phase-outs, including information on alternatives and strategies for implementation; d) Encouraged development of an on-line clearinghouse on HHP; e) Invited governments and organizations in a position to do so to provide financial and inkind resources for activities on HHPs. 47. While the region agreed that the concepts outlined in the draft resolution were important, the region could not agree to the draft resolution. The region did agree to take into account that the resolution was proposed and see what could be done with it further in its subsequent meetings. 48. Also during the technical information session held on 24 September 2013, a participant representing the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and member of the UNECE Working Group on Implementation on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents, on behalf of the UNECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents secretariat, gave an overview presentation on the Convention. A summary of the presentation is available in Annex II of the meeting report. Overall, participants welcomed the idea to establish synergy between UNECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents and SAICM. At the end of the discussion the main conclusion was that the management of the industrial accidents including those having transboundary effects would be included in the regional priorities for SAICM implementation. Synergies Project in Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 49. The UNEP Regional Office for Europe (ROE), Regional Centre of the Basel Convention for Training and Technology Transfer for Central and Eastern Europe, Bratislava, and the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia presented a project entitled Strengthening the national capacities for the coordinated implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. This project responds to the decisions on enhancing cooperation and coordination among the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions taken by the three Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions. More specifically, the project is in line with the BRS Conventions programme of work for joint activities of three conventions in : Training and capacitybuilding activities to enhance the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions at the regional and national levels (activity 17). 50. The project was initially jointly developed by UNEP ROE and BCRC Bratislava for several Balkans countries who expressed an interest in such a project (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia). Due to funding constraints, the first country which was selected to implement this project was the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The project builds on the SAICM QSP project Development and Mainstreaming of the National Plan on SAICM Implementation for the Republic of Macedonia and was submitted to SAICM QSP in 2011 without approval. If sufficient funding is secured, the project will be replicated in the other countries mentioned above. If other countries have an interest to implement a similar project, they can contact either UNEP ROE or BCRC Bratislava. 51. The project is coordinated by the BCRC Bratislava in close cooperation with UNEP ROE and the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The overall objective of the project is to assist the Government of the FYRoM to strengthen its capacities to effectively implement the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions in a coordinated and integrated manner. The activities under this project include: a. Analysis and assessment of the current status of implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions; b. Development of a national strategic action plan for the coordinated implementation of the three conventions (roadmap); 9

10 c. Organization of a national workshop for all relevant stakeholders to strengthen national capacities in tasks related to the coordinated implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions. 52. During the discussion, one representative noted that the synergies process is working and the region should encourage others to work together to further promote synergy. It was noted by the participants of the meeting that the synergy approach is a good approach. Participants also agreed to support this project as an example for implementation of and coherence between international instruments and programmes. Furthermore, participants noted that synergies at national level should contribute and enhance a common national approach and understanding on chemicals and wasterelated issues so that strategies are streamlined and therefore provide countries with the necessary elements for the coordinated implementation of the conventions. In closing the agenda item, the region encouraged the Strategic Approach secretariat to include in its work planning, to the extent possible, the omnibus decision on synergies adopted by the COP. 5. Information exchange and scientific and technical cooperation 53. The technical information sharing session that was held on Tuesday 24 September 2013 provided a forum for exchange of information promoting an increased understanding of the technical issues associated with the sound management of chemicals. In addition, a number of informal dialogues took place during the lunch hour organized by the secretariat to encourage further cooperation among countries in the region, as well as new/renewed partnerships with the IOMC organizations supporting the region. IOMC Toolbox 54. During the discussion, a presentation was made on the IOMC toolbox by a representative from UNITAR as the lead agency that is promoting training on the toolbox. In summary, the IOMC toolbox is an online tool for countries who wish to set up or improve their chemicals management system in order to find answers to and ways of dealing with their specific needs and objectives. In order to use the toolbox, countries must first assess the current situation of chemicals management in their country. This may be done by looking at their SAICM implementation plans, national chemicals profile, chemical risk assessment, to name a few. These documents would then aid the country in identifying the gap analysis by identifying the problem and setting priorities. Once the country has done the assessment and identified the issues, there are three management schemes to choose from in the toolbox pesticides, occupational health, and chemical accidents. The next step is the resource assessment whereby the country would select one of the resource availability options (limited, medium, high). From there, key elements and other relevant elements can be chosen with the tools then becoming available for application and use. 55. In terms of next steps, new management schemes are being developed by various IOMC organizations. These new schemes will include pollutant release and transfer registers, industrial chemicals, GHS, and support to health authorities with a role in chemicals management. Tour of a PCB Treatment Facility 56. The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia offered a lunch-time tour for meeting participants to view the Rade Koncar Service facility that treats and provides temporary storage for PCB-containing transformers and waste. The project was financially supported by the Global Environmental Facility, the Swiss government represented by the Swiss Cooperation Office in Macedonia and the company Rade Koncar Service, and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning. The main objective of the project is to assist the Republic of Macedonia to comply with the PCB-related obligations under the Stockholm Convention and reduce the releases of PCBs into the environment through enhanced national capacity in the management of PCBs-containing equipment and wastes. 57. In order to treat and temporarily store the PCB-containing transformers and waste, within Rade Koncar Servis a state-of-the-art facility that meets the highest safety standards was built (the floor is covered with the impermeable layer preventing oil from penetrating, spill containment system is in place, ventilation system on active carbon, fire alarming system, fire extinguishing system, video monitoring and inlet of fresh air) and sophisticated technology was installed for treatment of PCBcontaminated transformers, which is in compliance with Best Available Techniques (BAT) and Best Environmental Practices (BEP) principles. Moreover, the were also informed that work on preparation of a mobile unit that could also be used in cases when it would be impossible to transport some large 10

11 PCB containing equipment is currently underway. Considering that the region is lacking such treatment facilities, it was suggested that RadeKoncar could undertake a role of a regional center for PCB treatment. 6. Towards the 2020 Goal of Sound Chemicals Management 58. The International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) at its third session requested the secretariat to develop overall orientation and guidance including some concrete elements, to facilitate achievement of the 2020 goal of sound chemicals management. Such overall orientation and guidance needs to be both retrospective and prospective. It should be developed under the guidance of the Bureau, to be further discussed at regional meetings and by the Open-Ended Working Group and for possible consideration at the fourth session of the Conference. 59. Participants attended the workshop on Achieving the 2020 Goal Overall Orientation and Guidance, on Wednesday 25 September 2013, where they discussed Strategic Approach achievements to date and priority actions in moving forward. In introducing the agenda item, the SAICM secretariat noted the role that the previous day s workshop played in outlining to the region the process for the development of the Overall Orientation and Guidance to facilitate the achievement of the SAICM 2020 goal. The Overall Orientation and Guidance process is an opportunity for SAICM stakeholders to strategically focus activities towards the 2020 goal of sound management of chemicals and to increase the level of attention placed on chemicals at the global level, particularly when it is taken up at the fourth meeting of the ICCM. 60. The overall orientation and guidance will identify the specific chemicals challenges that each region faces. It will include discussion about the successes and challenges of a multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral approach to chemicals management. The secretariat expressed confidence that with both the progress made at the workshop in the identification of SAICM regional implementation gaps enough information will be available to document the chemical challenges that the region faces in the context of the Overall Orientation and Guidance. 61. The chair invited the participants of the meeting to comment on the process and structure of the Consultation Framework Document for the development of the Overall Orientation and Guidance to facilitate achievement of the 2020 goal. During the ensuing discussion, general support for the Consultation Framework process and for the document structure outlined in meeting document SAICM/RM/CEE.5/8 was expressed. In addition, participants welcomed the Overall Orientation and Guidance as a key strategic outcome of ICCM4, leading the way to sound management of chemicals by Health Sector Strategy 62. Mindful of the importance of the health sector and its roles and responsibilities in helping to achieve the sound management of chemicals, the Conference adopted at its third session, under resolution III/4, the Strategy for strengthening the engagement of the health sector in the implementation of the Strategic Approach. 63. A representative of the WHO provided an overview presentation regarding implementation of the health sector strategy. The WHO has initiated activities to implement the Strategy by organizing two regional workshops on chemical safety to which SAICM regional focal points were invited to participate, with funding provided by each of the regional offices. The first workshop was organized by the Regional Office for Europe on October 2012 in Bonn, Germany, and the second workshop was organized by the Regional Office for South East Asia on June 2013 in Bangkok. The proceedings of the European workshop were available to participants in document SAICM/RM/CEE.5/INF/12. The main outcomes of environment and health national experts discussion of SAICM Health Strategy implementation during the workshop were a list of initial activities that should be taken at national level to strengthen health sector involvement in SAICM implementation including building of additional capacities in health sector, starting with training of health care professionals, involvement of European Environment and Health process focal point in promotion of health sector participation in chemicals management, strengthening research capacities and infrastructure so as to address health-related aspects of chemical safety, raising awareness of medical care professionals. The reporting requirements were also stressed in the presentation. In addition, Health-2020 was raised as a European policy framework supporting action across government and society for health and well-being to: significantly improve the health and well-being of populations, reduce health inequalities, strengthen public health and ensure people-centered health systems. The importance of involvement of other governmental sector to reach health objectives is 11

12 stressed in the document, reinforcing the process of involvement of health sector and other sectors into environmental health should be initiated from both sides. 64. In addition during the Information Sharing Day held on 24 September 2013, the WHO Regional Office for Europe presented information on the vulnerability of children to environmental hazards and political commitments to protect them from hazardous chemicals. A summary of the information presented is available in Annex II. The presenter called attention to several international agreements and initiatives specifically addressing children health risks that provide a policy basis and practical recommendations for management of environmental health determinants Convention on the Rights of the Child, WHO Global Plan of Action for Children s Health and the Environment, UN Political Declaration of the High-level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases, Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development, 66 th World Health Assembly on Prevention and Control of NCDs, Parma Declaration and Commitment to Act, Children and Environment Health Action Plan for Europe. These international agreements and initiatives were raised throughout the meeting by a number of meeting participants as important platforms for the promotion of sound management of chemicals. 65. During the discussion, a number of participants raised poison control centers as a priority area for the region and encouraged implementation measures in this regard. One Government indicated that there is a basic level of toxicological awareness in most countries in the region, as a consequence of the health sector strategy and proposed for WHO to provide support to the region for training for poison control centers. Another Government stressed the need for the availability of poison information and their causes, stressing the importance of toxicovigilance. Another Government representative indicated her country was in need of a Poison Control Center and is preparing to develop in a toxicology department in a hospital that is willing to develop its capacities. She noted the requirement for cooperation between institutions and supported the idea of WHO training in this area for the region. 66. Responding to the meeting participants requests to collect and share best practices examples in relevant area WHO/Europe prepared the publication Health Sector Involvement in Chemical Management at National Level: review of current practice that presents the overview of practical examples of health sector involvement including legislative arrangements, researches, information collection and dissemination, awareness raising practice, examples of approaches for education and training of medical professionals. 67. In closing this agenda item, the region agreed to recommend to the WHO and the Strategic Approach secretariat to organize a workshop on poison control centers to provide training on good practices. The secretariat indicated it would be glad to support such a potential workshop as part of the implementation of the health sector strategy under the Strategic Approach, funding permitting. 8. Preparations for the second meeting of the Open-ended Working Group and the fourth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management 68. The secretariat provided a brief update on the preparations for the second meeting of the Openended Working Group and the fourth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management accordingly. The current proposed dates of the two meetings are as follows: December nd for the Open-ended Working Group, Geneva (to be confirmed) and 27 September to 3 October 2015 for the 4th Session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM4), Geneva (to be confirmed). At this stage, Geneva is the back-up option for these meetings, but the secretariat is actively still inviting offers from host Governments. In addition, the secretariat is inviting all stakeholders in a position to do so to make their financial contributions early in support of these two meetings. 69. In the ensuing discussion, one stakeholder noted the difficulty at this early stage to identify the need for any high level segment at ICCM4. One suggestion made for a theme was to review releases of chemicals into the environment and consider how to manage them. She also indicated that it needs to be carefully evaluated what value the high level segment would add to the meeting. 70. The region agreed the following points for the Open-ended Working Group agenda were important: review of progress reporting; consider new emerging policy issues; consideration of synergies from the Strategic Approach perspective. In noting the consideration of synergies, it was specified that it would be valuable for Strategic Approach stakeholders to review synergies from the Strategic Approach perspective and how it can be strengthened to further advance the Strategic Approach goal of sound management of chemicals by 2020, including in the Overall Orientation and Guidance document. 12

13 9. Other matters 71. Participants agreed at the start of the meeting to discuss the issue of the terms of the reference for the regional core group, the representatives of the core group and the nomination of the Strategic Approach regional focal point. 72. Participants welcomed Poland as the regional focal for the remainder of the mandate to the fourth session of the ICCM. It was underlined that a rotation within the region, between sectors (environment/health) and geographic and language subregions should be taken into account when deciding on a regional focal point. It was also agreed to amend that terms of reference for the regional focal point accordingly. The term of office would be between sessions of the ICCM. 73. Participants agreed to update the terms of reference for the regional coordination group. The updated terms of reference is available in Annex III to the present report. 74. The new members to the CEE regional coordination group includes: (a) CEE Regional Strategic Approach Focal Point: Mr. Szymon Domagalski, Poland. (b) Group 1: Slovenia. (c) Group 2: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. (d) Group 3: Ukraine. (e) Group 4: Armenia, Romania. (f) Regional organization representative: Ms. Kateřina Šebková of RECETOX replaces Mr. Ivan Holoubek of RECETOX. 75. It was agreed that the regional coordination committee would meet from 8.30 am to am on Friday 27 September Adoption of the report 76. Due to time constraints, it was agreed that the meeting report would be finalized by the secretariat of the Strategic Approach in collaboration with the co-chairs and rapporteur. 11. Closure of the meeting 77. Following the customary exchange of courtesies, the meeting was declared closed at 7.25 p.m. on Thursday 26 September