Amman, Jan. 21 (Petra) -- HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, President of the Royal Scientific Society (RSS), patronized the closing ceremony of the first regional conference on chemical safety and green chemistry, highlighting its role in advancing industrial development in Jordan, according to a statement released Tuesday.

In a speech delivered by Arafat Awajan, Vice President for Scientific Research at the RSS, Princess Sumaya emphasized the need to apply green chemistry principles in industrial processes. She pointed out that this supports the Economic Modernization Vision, focusing on green transformation and high-value industries as drivers of economic growth in Jordan.
Her Highness also noted that the conference reflects the Royal Scientific Society’s leadership in building a knowledge-driven society and supporting a sustainable knowledge-based economy.

The conference featured the participation of the founders of green chemistry, Professor Paul Anastas, Director of the Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering at Yale University, and Professor John Werner from the United States.

Professor Anastas presented the principles of green chemistry, emphasizing their role in enhancing chemical safety and achieving industrial sustainability worldwide.

Professor Werner highlighted practical examples of applying green chemistry principles in industry, showcasing their impact on creating high-value industrial products.

Jihad Alsawair, Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment, stated that the conference aligns with national efforts to transition toward a sustainable green economy. He also noted that it supports Jordan’s international commitments, including the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), which Jordan adopted in 2004 to protect human health and the environment from long-lasting hazardous chemicals.

The conference featured a panel discussion with representatives from private chemical companies, academic institutions, government bodies, and business accelerators. The session focused on the importance of connecting business accelerators, academia, and industry to promote the adoption of green chemistry principles, enhancing chemical safety along local and global supply chains.

Participants emphasized the need for a robust legislative and legal framework to ensure the sustainability of these efforts and encourage the private sector to adopt green industrial practices. They also called for intensified regional and global collaboration and capacity-building initiatives to reduce hazardous chemicals.

This event is part of the Green Chemistry Project, implemented by the Royal Scientific Society in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Yale University, and UNIDO, with support from the Global Environment Facility. The project seeks to advance green transformation in Jordan’s industrial sectors by supporting green chemistry entrepreneurship and replacing hazardous chemicals with non-hazardous or less hazardous sustainable alternatives.

//Petra// AJ

21/01/2025 16:12:22