Helsinki, 19 November 2009 – The second global Helsinki Chemicals Forum (HCF) will be held on 20-21 May 2010 at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre. The Forum is inviting national and international authorities, companies and industry associations, international organizations, non-governmental bodies, human interest groups, and academia for an open dialogue to find and contribute to sustainable solutions for environmental problems and consumer concerns.

“The European Chemicals Agency is delighted to be an active partner in the Helsinki Chemicals Forum. REACH and CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging) Regulations will ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment from chemical substances across Europe – ECHA and companies across Europe and beyond are working towards that right now. 2010 is a very important and busy year for us all as we prepare for two big deadlines – the registration of chemicals before 1 December 2010, and the C&L notifications one month later but the Forum will provide a welcome opportunity to pause and reflect on the bigger picture of chemical safety globally”, Geert Dancet, the Executive Director of the Agency states. ECHA’s 4th Stakeholders’ Day precedes the HCF on 19 May 2010.

“The first HCF, held in May 2009 in Helsinki, turned out to be a great success. It was attended by delegates from around the world, and according to their feedback the quality of the event was high. The promotion and implementation of global chemicals policy does not depend on economic fluctuations. Nevertheless, the competitiveness of the chemical industry is first and foremost a global theme. Chemistry as a science, on the other hand, will play a key role in solving the challenges of sustainable development and global problems over the next decades”, says Hannu Vornamo, the HCF Secretary General and former head of the Finnish Chemical industry Federation.

“The first HCF in 2009 was unique by nature, and it managed to justify its place among international conferences. Finland and Helsinki offer a natural surrounding for the Forum, Helsinki being the Chemicals Capital of the European Union and the seat of the European Chemicals Agency”, Mr Vornamo continues.

In 2010 the HCF will focus on four new, challenging themes related to chemicals policy and chemistry as a science: Chemical Regulation – Global Challenges; Chemical Policies – Emerging Economies; Competitiveness – Financial Constraints; and Green Chemistry – Solution Provider? The keynote speakers of the event are President Martti Ahtisaari, the 2008 Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, and Professor Paul J Crutzen, the 1995 Winner of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry.

The Helsinki Chemicals Forum is being organised by the Chemicals Forum Association in co-operation with the European Commission, the European Chemicals Agency, the Finnish Government and partners, including the City of Helsinki, Greater Helsinki Promotion Ltd, the Chemical Industry Federation of Finland, and the University of Helsinki.

To view the agenda and to register, please visit www.helsinkichemforum.eu. There is a possibility to take advantage of the “early bird” prices before the end of January.

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)helsinkireachcentre.eu