This synthesis report for decision-makers highlights the main findings and conclusions of the full report: Global Chemicals Outlook: Towards Sound Management of Chemicals. The Global Chemicals Outlook report assembles scientific, technical and socio-economic information on the sound management of chemicals. It is targeted to decision makers in order to build capacity and to implement policy change to protect the environment and human health. As such, the Global Chemicals Outlook covers three broad inter-linked areas building upon the findings of existing and concurrent studies: 1. Trends and indicators for chemical production, transport, use and disposal, and associated health and environment impacts; 2. Economic implications of these trends including costs of inaction and the benefits of action; and 3. Instruments and approaches for sound management of chemicals, including promotion of safer alternatives and guidance to accelerate the achievement of SAICM goals by 2020.