2nd Warsaw Conference strengthens Poland’s leadership in chemical safety and security

Significant progress in the development of international cooperation to reduce chemical threats was registered by the Second Warsaw Conference, held on 28 May 2015 in Warsaw. The conference highlighted Poland’s growing role and ICCSS leadership in efforts to strengthen chemical safety and security worldwide and to promote a chemical safety and security culture.

The conference was organized by ICCSS with Poland’s Ministry of Economy and the Scientific and Research Centre for Fire Protection. Participants included Polish and international participants from the US, Ukraine, Italy, Czech Republic, Japan, Iran, Russia, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, international organizations (European Union, OSCE) and NGOs. The participants represented government agencies, chemical industry, academia and research institutions, and included independent experts in chemical safety.


The conference program (chemss.dqcloud2.pl) included statements, presentations and discussions on progress in implementing chemical safety programmes. A number of interventions, including by representatives of the US Department of Homeland Security, highly assessed the work of the ICCSS, while Canadian representatives underlined the importance of developing ICCSS as an international hub for innovation and promotion of modern and environmentally friendly technologies in chemical safety and security.  


The ICCSS reported on preparations for the Global Summit on Chemical Safety and Security and accompanying international fair that will be held from 18 to 20 April 2016 in Kielce, Poland (www.chemss2016.org). The conference was also informed of the pending participation of ICCSS and Polish partners in the annual US Chemical Security Summit that will be held in Washington DC in July 2015, followed by a study tour in the US to explore opportunities for cooperation in chemical safety and security.


The conclusions of the 2nd Warsaw Conference (chemss.dqcloud2.pl) note significant progress in the implementation of arrangements and programmes that were agreed during the first Warsaw Conference in May 2014, as well as a significant increase in the number of national and international partners engaged in developing ICCSS programs to strengthen chemical safety. A letter of support to the ICCSS President in connection with the second Warsaw Conference from Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Mr. J. Piechociński, can be read here.