To ensure effective implementation of the sound chemical management including the Stockholm, Basel and Rotterdam Conventions at local, regional and global levels, Parties have to develop and maintain technical abilities enabling them an efficient participation in these agreements. These entail capacities to identify new sources and old burdens of hazardous chemicals and to support sound management of chemicals and wastes, in addition to introducing new cleaner technologies. Experience shows that such capacities are currently lacking in many countries. Endeavours to boost efficient capacity-building became one of the top priorities in support of the Stockholm Convention implementation, triggering the worldwide establishment of regional centres for capacity-building and technology transfer.