The Technical Secretariat (hereinafter “the Secretariat”) wishes to inform Member States that the training workshop in Russian on best practices to develop the Responsible Care® programme for the chemical industry, originally planned to take place at the D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia (MUCTR) in Moscow, the Russian Federation, from 16 to 20 April 2018 (S/1580/2018 dated 8 February 2018), has been postponed for technical reasons and will be held from 15 to 19 October 2018 at the same location.
The objective of the training workshop is to update environmental health and safety managers, qualified technologists, and representatives of chemical industry associations and governmental organisations from Russian-speaking Member States1 on the Responsible Care® programme, and to raise awareness on a broader range of topics related to sustainability, safety, and security in chemical industries. Within the scope of the capacity-building programmes in peaceful applications of chemistry under Article XI of the Chemical Weapons Convention, the training workshop aims to enhance the national capacities of chemical industries in relevant Member States in the implementation of Responsible Care® and the adoption of the principles of sustainability.
The one-week training programme will include theoretical lectures and practical and interactive sessions:
- Participants will be introduced to the general framework of the Responsible Care® initiative and to the work of European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), and the OPCW in the promotion of safe and sustainable practices for chemical industries, as well as to the United Nations Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). They will also receive theoretical knowledge on the concept of sustainability and sustainable development goals. Various elements of Responsible Care® will be addressed, including product stewardship, environmental protection and environmental technologies, labelling of chemicals, integrated systems for chemical safety and security management, occupational medicine, and health protection. Case studies will be presented on the implementation of Responsible Care® in the Russian Federation and internationally. The topics of dual use and ethical issues in chemistry will be also included in the theoretical programme.
- A simulation exercise entitled “The Lake”: this is an interactive business game simulating the operation of chemical plants that discharge waste water, which demonstrates the benefits of cooperation and environmental protection.
- Construction of the “Pyramid” for sustainable development: this is an interactive method which includes the elements of planning and decision-making. The objective is to identify priorities for action, taking into account environmental, economic, and social factors, as well as the interests of stakeholders.
- The programme includes dedicated sessions for the discussion of the results of “The Lake” simulation game and the “Pyramid” method, as well as the discussion of the needs, challenges, potential, and advantages of adopting the Responsible Care® programme in the Member States concerned. Participants will also be encouraged to present case studies and issues from their organisations that are relevant to the Responsible Care® objectives.