Introduction to the Conference

GHS Review Conference for Southeast Asia

21-23 May 2013

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

One World Hotel

Jonathan KruegerUNITAR

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Background to the Conference

Organizational arrangements

Objectives and Expected Outcomes

Workplan for the Conference

Outline

Background to the Conference

4Background to the Conference

GHS adopted by UN ECOSOC in 2003

Initial implementation target date of 2008 agreed by WSSD (2002)

Countries and stakeholders now working towards implementation

Builds upon national and regional activities to date (e.g. UNITAR/ILO project in ASEAN 2005-2007)

Conference is part of a regional project, 2010-2013 supported by

Organizational arrangements

Organized through the collaboration of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) of Malaysia, National University of Malaysia (UKM), UNITAR and ILO

Financial support from the European Union and the Government of Switzerland

Participants from governments of countries of Southeast Asia, relevant industry and public interest groups (including labour organizations and NGOs), IGOs, professional or research bodies

11 countries represented, approx 100 participants from a range of stakeholder groups

Follows 2010 regional workshop held in Beijing, PR China

Organizational Arrangements

Objectives and Expected Outcomes

The purpose of the Conference is to review and assess progress regarding GHS implementation within the region

The main goal of the Conference is to bring together key representatives from government, business and industry, and public interest and labour organizations to discuss GHS implementation and capacity needs

Specific objectives of the Conference include, to:

take stock of the status of GHS implementation in Southeast Asia

learn about Green Chemistry

share experience and approaches to GHS implementation

explore areas for collaboration and training

examine existing institutions and initiatives relevant for GHS implementation; and

develop joint and shared approaches to capacity building at the national and regional levels

Objectives and Expected Outcomes

Workplan for the Conference

Day 1:

Presentations on the latest information regarding the GHS, as well assessment of achievements and lessons learned in the region

Introduction to Green Chemistry in ASEAN and experiences

Day 2:

Review of status of GHS implementation in the region

Role GHS in the Occupational Safety and Health sector

Consumers campaign for chemicals safety in ASEAN based on the GHS

Workplan for the Conference

Day 3:

Presentation of Lessons learned and challenges in GHS Implementation from project countries (PR China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand)

Discussion of key issues for national and regional coordination

Summary conclusions and follow-up activities.

The results of the Conference (including all presentations) will be published and made widely available through both hard copy and electronic means:

http://www.unitar.org/cwm/node/220

Workplan for the Conference

Thank you!