Helsinki, 14 January 2010 – The Second Global Helsinki Chemicals Forum (HCF) will be held in Helsinki this May. This Forum provides a high-level platform to discuss cutting-edge questions on the importance of chemical substances in our modern world and on the regulation of their use. This year’s event will build on the success of the first Forum held in May 2009.

The world needs new approaches to improve the delicate balance between economic growth and the environment. Chemistry plays a significant role in finding and contributing to sustainable solutions for environmental problems and health-related concerns. This is why the Helsinki Chemicals Forum is inviting national and international authorities, companies and industry associations, international organisations, trade unions, non-governmental bodies, human interest groups, and academia to an open dialogue with true impact.

The event website – www.helsinkichemforum.eu - offers a glimpse of the unique content of the event. The site also includes a blog where the high-level moderators of the HCF will discuss the four themes of the programme during the spring:

• Chemicals Regulation – Global Challenges: Mr Charles Auer, Charles Auer & Associates, USA
• Chemical Policies – Emerging Economies: Ms Khalida Bouzar, Deputy Director, UNEP
• Competitiveness – Financial Constraints: Mr Harri Kerminen, CEO, Kemira Oy Ltd
• Green Chemistry – Solution Provider: Dr Klaus Berend, Head of the Chemicals Unit, European Commission

Dr Klaus Berend, the moderator of the Green Chemistry session, states in the HCF blog: “At a time of strong global growth of the production of chemicals, which is accompanied by increasing concerns about exposure of humans and the environment to toxic chemicals worldwide, Green Chemistry could be the answer to find sustainable chemical solutions for the big challenges that societies around the globe are facing today”.

One of our keynote speakers, the Nobel Prize Winner Paul J. Crutzen, will also be sharing his views.

Early bird discount available until the end of January

The invitees have the privilege to enjoy reduced prices by registering before the end of January 2010. The process is simple - all they have to do is to go to the website and fill in the registration form. The early bird price for private companies is 1000 € for the two days, where as the price for representatives of public sector, NGOs, academia etc. is 900 €. The fee for those participating in the ECHA’s Stakeholders Day on 19 May the fee is even further reduced.

For further information:
Hannu Vornamo, Secretary General, Tel: +358-40-500 4785,
E-mail: hannu.vornamo@helsinkicf.eu;
Annemaria Ojanperä, Communications Manager, Tel: +358-40-039 1525,
E-mail: annemaria.ojanpera@helsinkicf.eu