The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) is a global policy framework which aims to protect human health and the environment from the unsound management of chemicals and waste. Since its inception in 2006, the voluntary and multisectoral and multistakeholder nature of SAICM has been viewed as one of its core strengths. SAICM provided a space for government and non-government actors alike to discuss and deliberate on the management of chemicals and waste.

A key obstacle that has been limiting SAICM’s success has been the underrepresentation of some relevant stakeholders and sectors in SAICM’s process and structure. Industry and private sector representation at SAICM has been limited to the chemical producing industry. Many organizations with an interest in the SAICM agenda such as downstream uses of chemicals, retailers, among others have been absent. In this context, the policy brief highlights the importance of multistakeholder collaboration, including the private sector and the key role it plays in achieving the sound management of chemical and waste at local, national, regional and global levels.