Technical briefing on the WHO Global Chemicals and Health Network and the Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste Beyond 2020

19 October 2020 14:00 – 16:00 UTC Time
webinar

This virtual meeting aimed to introduce Member States to the WHO Global Chemicals and Health Network including the Network’s intended role in implementing the road map, contacting stakeholders, fostering cooperation and working to achieve the SAICM current and beyond 2020 objectives. Furthermore, the participants familiarized with the Network SharePoint site with a presentation of its content, technical features and instructions on how to join and use it.

In addition, a representative of the SAICM Secretariat presented the state-of-play regarding the Intersessional Process. Participants will be informed about the organization of work under the ongoing SAICM Beyond 2020 Intersessional Process and planned preparations for ICCM5 (July 2021) including the formation of a number of Virtual Working Groups (VWGs) to further these preparations. The scope and mandates of these VWGs was described, and meeting participants encouraged to join the discussion under each of them so that ministry of health views are well-represented.

Finally, the WHO presented on the important role of the health sector in the process and members discussed how the health sector could prepare for these important discussions, as well as for the Fourth Session of the Intersessional Process to be held in March 2021, followed by ICCM5 in July. 

Agenda of the meeting

  1. Introduction - Ms Carolyn Vickers, Head, Chemical Safety and Health Unit, WHO.
  2. State-of-play under the Intersessional Process, and preparations for ICCM5 – Ms Brenda Koekkoek, SAICM Secretariat.
  3.  Role and contribution of the health sectors in SAICM and the sound management of chemicals and waste (TBC) – Mr David Morin, Director General, Safe Environments Directorate, Health Canada
  4. Expectations of the health sector regarding the work under the Intersessional process.
  5. The role of the Global Chemicals and Health Network in the Intersessional Process Beyond 2020 – Ms Carolyn Vickers, WHO
  6. The WHO Global Chemicals and Health Network – its goals, objectives, role, membership – Magdalena Frydrych WHO.
  7. The Global Chemicals and Health network SharePoint site – how to join it and what is the content – Ms Magdalena Frydrych WHO).
  8. Future virtual meetings of the Network.