The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) affirmed on Saturday that hosting the Stockholm Convention Regional Center for Technology Transfer and Training in West Asia underscores Kuwait's leadership in global environmental initiatives and establishes the country as a regional hub for chemical risk and waste management.

Center's Strategic Operations

• Technical Hub: Serves as liaison between three environmental conventions (Stockholm, Basel, Rotterdam) and member states

• Capacity Building: Conducted multiple regional training workshops since establishment

• Upcoming Event: Preparing major October 2025 workshop on newly listed chemicals (PFAS, UVA328, PCBs) with GCC/West Asian participation

Recent Achievements

✔ Completed updated survey of prohibited chemicals in Kuwait (in cooperation with EPA)
✔ Developing new inventory for recently added substances per convention requirements
✔ Presented Kuwait's progress at May 2025 Geneva COPs meetings

2024-2027 Action Plan Focus Areas

1. Expanded training programs

2. National research projects

3. Updated National Implementation Plans (NIPs)

4. Regional chemical database development

5. New chemical assessments

Partnerships & Impact

• Collaborates with UNEP, GEF, and international donors

• Enhances regional technology transfer capabilities

• Reduces environmental pollution costs (estimated 15% savings for Kuwait's economy)

• Develops national human capital in chemical management

Dr. Mohammed Al-Atibi, Center Coordinator:
"Our Center represents Kuwait's strategic commitment to environmental protection – not just as a training facility but as vital infrastructure safeguarding regional public health."

Historical Context:

• Kuwait ratified Stockholm Convention (2006)

• KISR designated as official Regional Center (2009)

• Operational since 2011 as first Arab center of its kind