UNITAR Promotes OECD Chemical Standards in Latin America

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) hosted a webinar on November 18, 2021, aimed at promoting awareness on the management of industrial and consumer chemicals in Latin American countries. The webinar is the first of many yet to come as UNITAR develops the program in the region. 

The conference may be summarized to three main points: 

• Advocate towards the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) chemical standards 
• Disclose Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (Registro de Emisiones y Transferencias de Contaminantes, RECTs, in Spanish) 
• Promote cooperation and build capacity in the region 

This may be an ultimate opportunity for many countries in the region, as several countries are developing their national chemical regulations and have already publicly expressed their will to join OECD. It is important to remember that a crucial requirement for OECD affiliation is to present a chemical policy consistent with the organisation’s guidelines. 

In UNITAR’s perspective, the adoption of RECTs, training, and implementations of roadmaps will considerably improve the management of chemical substances and certainly increase the chances to ascend as an OECD member in the future. 

Those who were not able to attend can access the recording video. Interested parties are also advised to contact UNITAR for assistance or to acquire any future material beforehand. 

Last Update: 2021-12-20