Introduction to the Conference

1. Introduction to the Conference Jonathan KruegerUNITAR GHS Review Conference for Southeast Asia 21-23 May 2013 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia One World Hotel

2. Outline • Background to the Conference • Organizational arrangements • Objectives and Expected Outcomes • Workplan for the Conference

3. Background to the Conference

4. Background 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

5. Organizational arrangements

6. 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

7. Objectives and Expected Outcomes

8. 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

9. Workplan for the Conference

10. 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

11. 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

12. Thank you!