Financing Work Programme
IFCS Fund for Advocacy and Action Promotion
A separate fund has been established to support the special initiatives undertaken by the IFCS. Designated contributions to the special fund are encouraged from all IFCS participants. To make a contribution to either fund please see the IFCS Contribution Form.
The IFCS comprises national governments, intergovernmental organizations and nongovernmental organizations involved in the field of chemical safety. It has a mandate to provide policy guidance with particular emphasis on regional and sub-regional cooperation. It aims to develop strategies in a coordinated and integrated manner and foster an understanding of the issues. The IFCS recommendations first of all deal with priorities for action by governments but also include actions to be undertaken by intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations.
The IFCS has a responsibility to promote the support required for all its participants to respond to its recommendations and agreed actions. The functions of the IFCS include the promotion of the strengthening of national capabilities and capacities for chemicals management, especially in relation to infrastructure building, training, education, research and monitoring, and provision of information.
To raise awareness and inform developing countries and other stakeholders on the IFCS recommended actions, the IFCS undertakes through its participants a range of activities. The IFCS has established a programme of IFCS "Champions" to advance Forum IV recommendations and action items, and the IFCS Priorities for Action beyond 2000. The aim of the IFCS Champions programme is to increase awareness of and action on the IFCS agenda throughout the world. Champions seek opportunities to bring together various stakeholders to form new collaborative/support efforts and partnerships. The opportunities and efforts will ideally cover a broad range of activities and target audiences. The main responsibilities of the "Champions" focus at the global level for the specific issue/sector, are:
- Advocacy/Marketing Resource mobilization (within the umbrella of IFCS)
- Networking
- Social/political movements
- Communications
- Other necessary activities to support the Forum's decisions.
The IFCS has also initiated a process to assist countries who are lagging behind in the implementation of international activities on chemicals management. An Expert Group is being established to provide concrete advice to requesting countries on issues or items such as identifying, prioritizing, and accessing information, guidance and resources to enable implementation of IFCS Priorities for Action and other Forum recommendations. The process will be implemented as a pilot study in several developing countries.