This article explains how the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) Communities of Practice will facilitate discussions among stakeholders and engage youths for effective chemical management and SDGs actualization.
Adopted by the First International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM1) on 6 February 2006 in Dubai, the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) is a policy framework to promote chemical safety around the world.
Four SAICM Communities of Practice were established along with the University of Cape Town (UCT) on Emerging Chemical Policy Issues to provide a space for interactive discussions and exchanges of best practices on the sound management of chemicals and waste among SAICM stakeholders.
Network of experts
The purpose of the SAICM Communities of Practice is to establish an effective global network of experts on Emerging Policy Issues (EPIs) with a space for information sharing and long-term engagement.
Members include representatives from academia, governments, industry, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, consumers, and citizens.
Highly Hazardous Pesticides
Pesticides are inherently hazardous, and among them, a relatively small number of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) cause disproportionate harm to the environment and human health including severe environmental hazards, high acute and chronic toxicity.
The goal of the HHPs CoP (learn more about HHPs here) is to foster online discussions and multisectoral engagement that will identify key issues related to HHPs and exchange best practices on how to address this Emerging Policy Issue.
Outcomes of these discussions may also contribute to the deliberations under the SAICM’s intersessional process and the fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management.
Lead in Paint
Lead can be present at high levels in paint, especially in the over 100 countries that still allow the manufacture, import and sale of paints containing lead. Lead is a cumulative toxic element particularly harmful to young children and pregnant women.
The purpose of the Lead in Paint CoP (learn more about Lead in Paint) is to support all practitioners working to eliminate lead paint such as the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (Lead Paint Alliance). The community of practice will help share knowledge, latest research and developments, learn what representatives from different sectors are doing to phase out lead in paint and provide access to expertise on various topics related to lead in paint.
Chemicals in Products
Chemicals are important components in many of the products modern society uses and relies on. However, Chemicals of Concern may be released at any stage of the product life cycle resulting in potential exposures of humans and the environment, including from both newly produced products and products already present in society.
The purpose of the community of practice is to bring representatives from different sectors together and to create a learning network around issues related to Chemicals in Products (learn more about Chemicals in Products).
Participants will discuss on topics that might include information in the supply chain on chemical presence and composition, circular economy, life cycle analysis, innovation.
Chemicals and SDGs
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 SDGs were adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in September 2015. The SDGs aim to meet the dual challenge of overcoming poverty and protecting the planet. They highlight a comprehensive vision of sustainable development that embraces economic, social and environmental dimension.
The goal of this community of practice is to facilitate discussions with various stakeholders from different sectors on documents and other knowledge materials being developed around the linkages between chemical management and the achievement of the sustainable development goals, including gender (learn more about SDGs).
Another key goal is how to bring in and engage with the youth in relation to chemicals and the sustainable development goals.
Structure and Participation
The communities of practice will be organized under the following structure:
- Online discussion on a live chat session around three questions which are submitted in advance to the registered participants
- One moderator and one facilitator that will be present and active during the online live chat session to help guide and fuel the discussion. A transcript of the discussion and a summary digest are distributed amongst the participants shortly after the discussion
As for participation, membership is open to all interested parties. Members roles include:
- Active participation in the online discussions
- Sharing experiences and knowledge on the topics being discussed
- Engage with others in a collegial manner that is respectful especially of divergent opinions
Why should you join?
As a member of a CoP, you will:
- Participate in online discussions with representatives from all relevant sectors, and if you wish, have the possibility to lead on a relevant discussion.
- Have first-hand access to up-to-date information produced by SAICM and other stakeholders on the SAICM emerging policy issues and other issues of concern.
- Actively contribute to peer-to-peer learning exchanges on best practices, case studies and experiences on chemicals management.
- Contribute to the development of new initiatives towards SAICM objectives and the SDGs.
- Receive summaries of discussions held
Join at: https://saicmknowledge.org/community
This content has first been published by SAICM.
