The fourth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM4) held in September 2015 initiated an intersessional process to prepare recommendations regarding the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) and the sound management of chemicals and waste beyond 2020, the year SAICM’s original mandate is due to end, for consideration by ICCM5 in September 2020. ICCM4 decided that the process should include two intersessional meetings before the third meeting of the SAICM Open-ended Working Group (OEWG3) slated for February 2019, and another between OEWG3 and ICCM5.

The first of the intersessional meetings was held in Brasilia, Brazil from 7-9 February 2017. Most of the meeting was devoted to an initial exchange of views and ideas regarding what sort of global platform might be preferable to promote the sound management of chemicals and waste beyond 2020. Please consult our summary and analysis of the first meeting.

The Second Meeting will discuss in greater depth:

• an overall vision and policy principles that will be addressed beyond 2020;
• a list of measurable objectives with related milestones and possible targets; and
• possible means of implementation, including:
• financial support;
• technical assistance;
• technology transfer;
• governance; and
• high-level political engagement.

The discussions are to be informed by a ‘Co-Chairs’ Overview Paper,’ a set of Secretariat background documents requested by the first Meeting, a report by the independent evaluator on the preliminary results of the independent evaluation of SAICM, and the preliminary findings of UNEP’s Second Global Chemicals Outlook.