Why a Knowledge Management Strategy

The Strategy contributes to the successful implementation of the Global Best Practices on Emerging Chemical Policy Issues (EPI) of Concern under the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), establishing an evidence-based mechanism to improve the management of chemicals.

It responds to paragraph 65 of the Overall orientation and guidance for achieving the 2020 goal of sound management of chemicals, which engages SAICM Secretariat to support countries while linking the chemicals agenda, SDGs and other public and private sector initiatives.

Objectives

1. Sharing knowledge and information on the sound management of chemicals and EPIs

a)Gather and make available relevant and high-quality information products reaching a widespread public in an easy-access format (the type of information will depend on the public, for example, additional practical tools on top of scientific information might be of interest for private sector, SMEs and consultancy/service providers such as RECPNet members,)

b)Establish a systematic approach to consolidate and disseminate available knowledge to ensure efficient use of resources

c)Provide access for key audiences to scientific and academic information on chemicals management and EPIs

2. Track progress of SAICM implementation, in particular on EPIs

a)Review progress at the national level of SAICM implementation over time on a specific set of indicators.

b)Share and apply experience knowledge, including developments, best practices, milestones, trends and lessons learned for implementation of projects. 

c)Focus knowledge work and product sharing into related ongoing scientific research, tracking regulatory status on SAICM implementation.

d)Support the identification of regional and global trends, identify gaps, highlight needs, promote South-South cooperation.

3.Fostering an enabling environment

a)Foster a KM culture and provide a space (i.e. platform) of information for the sound management of chemicals and waste where stakeholders participate in communities of practice for peer-to-peer learning exchanges.  

b)Provide connectivity with knowledge and information on chemicals management from other sectors and development agendas.

c)Promote a systems-thinking approach to Knowledge Management.

4. Involving strategic partners and joint approaches at the global and local levels

a)Promote partnerships and support accelerating the pace of scientific research on EPIs.

b)Facilitate dialogue amongst countries and cooperation with other platforms, serving other networks at a technical and scientific level and help to identify information gaps and needs to achieve the SAICM beyond 2020 goal.

c)Establish a global network of EPI experts, especially female experts, youth and experts from/focused on least developed countries.

d)Effective links between the chemicals agenda (through SAICM) with other policy, science and private sector initiatives will be fostered to facilitate the necessary policy and behavioural shift and contribute to the 2020 SAICM goal and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Facilitate further engagement and necessary policy and behavioural shift to achieve the 2020 SAICM Goal and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Cross-cutting themes, objectives and communities

This Strategy will try to engage with the communities below and contribute to the following cross-cutting themes and objectives:

• Sustainable Development Goals, in particular:

  • Zero Hunger (#2)

  • Good health and well-being (#3)

  • Clean water and sanitation (#6)

  • Sustainable cities and communities (#11)

  • Responsible consumption and production (#12)

• Gender equality

• Peace and security

• New technologies

• Women empowerment

• Least developed countries

• Youth

• Persons with disabilities

• Indigenous peoples