Aim
To provide an update on the Responsible Care® programme to environmental health and safety managers, qualified technologists, and representatives of chemical industry associations and governmental organisations from Russian-speaking Member States, 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 will aim 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.
Content
The one-week training programme will include theoretical lectures and practical and interactive sessions, as follows:
- Participants will be introduced to the general framework of the Responsible Care® initiative and to the work of European Chemical Industry Council, 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. 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.
- Dedicated sessions to discuss the results of “The Lake” simulation game and the “Pyramid” method, as well as 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.