KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (KUNA) -- The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) is participating in the high-level International Forum on Nuclear Technologies for Addressing Plastic Pollution, held over two days in Manila, headed by Director General Dr. Faisal Al-Humaidan.
Dr. Al-Humaidan told KUNA that Kuwait's participation reflects its active partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in efforts to combat plastic pollution at regional and international levels.
He said Kuwait, through KISR, contributes to a crucial global environmental issue by advancing research leadership and developing international standards for detecting and understanding micro plastic contamination.
He noted that KISR serves as a principal partner and collaborating center with the IAEA due to its scientific expertise and research capacities that support member states in addressing plastic pollution challenges.
Dr. Al-Humaidan added that KISR, through pioneering research and international cooperation, developed unified protocols with the IAEA now used in more than 75 countries to assess and mitigate micro plastic risks in oceans, soil and air.
He explained that this work supports Kuwait's contribution to the IAEA's NUTEC Plastics initiative, which aims to monitor and reduce marine plastic pollution through nuclear-based techniques.
A key achievement, he said, is KISR's development of a certified reference material shared with the IAEA and used in inter-laboratory comparisons across 55 countries, enhancing the reliability of global micro plastic measurements.
He stressed that KISR's leadership in setting standards and conducting advanced research protects Kuwait's environment and food security while supporting international efforts aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
He noted that KISR's protocols for measuring micro plastics in seawater, sand, fish and air have been adopted across Asia, the Pacific and beyond, ensuring harmonized global data.
Dr. Al-Humaidan praised the support of Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Mission in Vienna and the Embassy in the Philippines, led by Ambassador Mishari Al-Neybari, for facilitating the delegation's successful participation. (end) aab.aai