HCF 2009 Topics and moderators

HCF 2009 will focus on four main themes with important consequences for the chemical industry and the use of chemicals globally.

The theme sessions will have the following moderators:
	COMPETITIVENESS AND INNOVATION Dr Dan Steinbock, India China and America Institute Due to the global fi nancial crisis, the traditional rules of competition are currently changing across industries. The crisis also creates new opportunities, which will be explored at the Helsinki Chemicals Forum.
	CHEMICAL INDUSTRY REGULATION Mr Erkki Liikanen, Governor of the Bank of Finland, ex-Commissioner of the EU Commission Having been closely involved in introducing changes to chemical regulation in Europe I fi nd this Forum relevant for dialogue also in the global context – particularly in the foreseeable fi nancial constraints of the world economy.
	SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY Mr Alain Perroy, Director General of the European Chemical Industry Council We need a global approach when addressing chemical sector’s sustainability issues. The chemical industry has a key role in securing the well being of people and environment. Global commitment generates results also locally.
	CHEMISTRY AND CONSUMERS Ms Hilfra Tandy, Editor, Chemical Matters Convenience and price are consumer priorities, but so is safety. Despite more stringent legislation perceptions are tough to dislodge. Can legislation – like REACH alter concerns or be an irrelevance to consumers?