The Forum is Ready for High-level Actors to Tackle Chemical Safety
The Second Global Helsinki Chemicals Forum 20-21 May 2010
Helsinki, 19 May 2010 – The Second Global Helsinki Chemicals Forum (HCF) is about to start on 20 May, lasting for two days. The high-level platform is gathering approximately 200 participants from 30 countries.
“I have a great pleasure to welcome you all to our annual, global Helsinki Chemicals Forum, which is now being held for the second time. HCF 2010 has brought together an impressive and very multinational audience of national and international authorities, companies and industry associations, international organisations, NGOs, and academia. Our goal is to offer you a platform for international dialogue on the main challenges and latest innovations in the field of both chemical industry, and chemistry as a science. This year’s Forum draws special attention to the global regulation of chemical substances and chemical policies worldwide, competitiveness, and the new possibilities brought forth by green chemistry”, states Hannu Vornamo, Secretary General of HCF, in his welcoming address.
“Regulation of chemical substances and controlling of risks are in everybody’s interest. New chemicals regulation is emerging around the world – the potential threats in this process are distortion of competition, and protectionism. Support for global harmonization is increasing”, Mr Vornamo continues.
Helsinki offers a natural surrounding for the Forum. The Finnish Capital is clearly developing into a global hub of action and forward-looking debate on chemicals, and an increasing number of actors in this field are clustering around the Helsinki-based European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). ECHA’s own Stakeholders’ Day precedes the Forum on 19 May in the same premises.
“In the leadership of sustainable communities it is essential to find new ways of governance. We need in essence local actions to solve global problems. This is also why Helsinki wants to be an active contributor to the Chemicals Forum”, says Jussi Pajunen, the Mayor of Helsinki.
Mr Pajunen continues: “Fight against the global warming and measures to protect the environment are going to modify numerous established ways of operating. For the first time in mankind’s history, the world is genuinely one community, where we share the same and limited natural resources. Local authorities have an obligation to take this into consideration as the principal providers of welfare and guardians of the living environment of their residents. I look forward to lively discussions and challenging debates during the Forum.”
The Forum’s programme can be viewed at the event’s website at http://www.helsinkichemforum.eu/ .
For further information:
Hannu Vornamo, Secretary General, Tel: +358-40-500 4785,
E-mail: hannu.vornamo(a)helsinkicf.eu ;
Annemaria Ojanperä, Communications Manager, Tel: +358-40-039 1525,
E-mail: annemaria.ojanpera(a)helsinkicf.eu
