The Royal Scientific Society (RSS) launched the project titled: “Global GreenChem (GC) Innovation and Network Inclusion Program”. The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and executed by Yale university in partnership with the national executer, Jordan’s Cleaner Production Unit (CP-unit) at the Water, Environment and climate change Center of RSS. Within its work plan, which extends to year 2028, the project aims to apply the principles of green chemistry to assist participating countries, including Jordan, in promoting green entrepreneurship, and stimulating green research and innovation towards sustainability, in order to achieve the goals of the circular economy, the RSS said in a statement. It also aims to provide sustainable solutions to reduce the health and environmental impacts of the use of hazardous chemicals in industry and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the statement added. Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment, Muhammad Al-Khashashneh, indicated that the ministry seeks to adopt the concept of the circular economy and works to get rid of hazardous chemicals through the principles of green chemistry. He said the program intersects with the national system in various fields, including reducing emissions and prevention pollution. RSS Vice President Rafat Assi referred to the society’s role in adopting and implementing cleaner production concepts and the concept of green chemistry, which would enhance Jordan’s environmental performance towards true sustainability. Assi highlighted the prominent role that the RSS plays through its Water, Environment and Climate Change Center (WEC) and the Cleaner Production Unit respectively in promoting green transformation in all sectors. The founder of green chemistry from Yale University and the programs Principal Investigator (PI), Paul Anastas, gave remarks online, where he welcomed the participants and wished Jordan success in the project’s implementation. The Program Manager from UNIDO, Rodica Evan, explained the purpose behind this initiative and the organization’s role in promoting the adoption of green chemistry concepts by industry. The Program Director from Yale University, Karolina Mellor, along with the Accelerator program Expert, Matthew Moroney, outlined the project’s global work plan and goals and highlighted the importance of integrating the concept of green chemistry into development plans across all society spheres. Omar Al-Saleh, Senior Environmental Studies Specialist at RSS and the programs national focal point, presented the interrelationship between the project and the national goals, including the Economic Modernization Vision, as well as the global sustainable development goals. AlSaleh explained the relationship between green chemistry and circular economy, while also presenting the detailed project work plan. The event also hosted a panel discussion session on topics related to the concept of circular economy and the importance of linking research outputs related to green chemistry with industry, in addition to the roles played by public customs and chambers of industry in promoting the application of the Green Chemistry concept and cleaner production. The event was a success hosting various primary stakeholders from the public and private sector, government agencies, academic institutions, chambers, industrial cities, private companies, civil society institutions, as well as international development institutions, said the statement. Regional National Cleaner Production Center (NCPCs) were also invited engaging everyone through a comprehensive introduction to green chemistry and its interdisciplinary benefits. It was an opportunity to get everyone on board of this national transition and seize the right and relevant intervention, according to the statement.
Source: Jordan News Agency