The Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) Annual Meeting was held in Prague in October 20-24 2003 and was attended by the Green Council. The event was hosted by the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic. During the initial session when members reported their work progress, the Hong Kong Green Label Scheme’s efforts during the past year was briefed to the audience, including the expansion of the ecolabelled product criteria, revision of relevant standards to align with the common core criteria developed by other Asian members in early 2003, as well as joint activities with institutions, the government and mainland China organizations on environmental labeling, green consumerism and related issues. Challenges and major issues lying ahead of the Green Council including the need for increased resources and to enhance and widen the acceptability of the scheme in Hong Kong, were also relayed to the members.

Major issues coming up in the GEN meeting included the proposed Internationally Coordinated Ecolabelling System to be overseen by GEN under a separate Coordinated Ecolabelling System (CES). CES is planned to be delivered at the national or regional level, so that the ecolabelling programs will be formally accredited.

Discussion also centred around the JEA (Japan Environment Association)-led GEN Chemical Substances Database System, and related work carried out by the Nordic members. Progress of the Technical Assistance Program on the development of common core criteria for TVs, video players and multifunctional devices amongst Asian programs was also reported. The GEN work plan for 2004 was discussed.