Royal Scientific Society launches Green Chemistry Programme 

AMMAN — The Royal Scientific Society (RSS) launched the “Global GreenChem (GC) Innovation & Network Inclusion Programme”, which aims to apply the principles of green chemistry to help participating countries, including Jordan, promote green entrepreneurship and stimulate green research.

The project also aims to provide sustainable solutions to reduce the health and environmental impacts of the industrial use of hazardous chemicals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The project’s work plan extends to the year 2028, and is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by the United Nations 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 & Climate Change Centre of Royal Scientific Society, according to an RSS statement.

Secretary-General of the Ministry of Environment Muhammad Al Khashashneh noted that the ministry seeks to adopt circular economy concepts, and is working to eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals through the principles of green chemistry. He also mentioned that the programme intersects with the national system in various fields, including reducing emissions and prevention pollution.

Vice President of the Royal Scientific Society Rafat Assi referred to the role of the RSS in adopting and implementing cleaner production concepts and the concept of green chemistry, which can enhance Jordan’s environmental performance towards true sustainability. 

Additionally, Assi highlighted the prominent role that the RSS plays through its Water, Environment & Climate Change Centre (WEC) and the Cleaner Production Unit in promoting green transformation in all sectors.

Yale University professor Paul Anastas, the founder of green chemistry and the Principal Investigator of the programme, virtually welcomed the participants and wished Jordan success in implementing the project.

UNIDO Programme Manager Rodica Evan explained the purpose behind the initiative and UNIDO’s role in promoting the industrial adoption of green chemistry concepts.

Yale University Programme Director Karolina Mellor, along with Accelerator Programme expert Matthew Moroney, outlined the project's global work plan and goals, also highlighting the importance of integrating green chemistry into development plans across all social spheres.

Omar Al Saleh, the Senior Environmental Studies specialist at the RSS and the programme’s national contact point, presented the relationship between the project and Jordan’s national goals, including the Economic Modernisation Vision as well as the global sustainable development goals. 

Saleh also explained the relationship between green chemistry and the circular economy, while also presenting the detailed project work plan.

The event also included a panel discussion on circular economy concepts and the importance of linking green chemistry research outputs with industry. 

The event was attended by primary stakeholders from the public and private sectors, government agencies, academic institutions, chambers, industrial cities, private companies, civil society institutions and international development institutions. 

Representatives from Regional National Cleaner Production Centre also attended the event, and engaged participants in a comprehensive introduction to green chemistry and its interdisciplinary benefits.