Positionpaper 2

Country: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Committee: United Nations Environment Program

Agenda: Crafting Initiatives to Address the Challenges Posed by Chemical Pollution
Chemical pollution is one of the most complex environmental problems the world is now
experiencing. Rapid industrialization and urbanization is causing the release of harmful
chemicals in air, water and soil, which is having unprecedented effects on human health,
ecosystems, biodiversity, the environment, and climate at large. Chemicals are ubiquitous –
from gadgets, devices, transportation systems, clothes, skincare care products to medicines
and foods – they are rapidly deteriorating the only liveable planet. Some of these chemicals
include heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, arsenic and lead that seriously affect
cardiovascular and renal health and causes cancer; toxic gases such as carbon monoxide,
carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides and sulfur oxides; industrial solvents; and the most recent
challenge affecting the ecosystems – microplastics. Nitrous Oxide is 300% more potent than
carbon dioxide and is responsible for millions of premature deaths. It was estimated that the
economic costs of health damages from chemical pollution added up to $6.9 trillion and was
approximately equal to 6.9% of the GDP.
Chemical pollution is posing grave risks to human health, plant and animal life. Like other
countries, Saudi Arabia too has been affected by chemical pollution and is facing significant
environmental concerns which needs to be addressed in the immediate future. One of the
fundamental steps in battling chemical pollution is to enhance regulatory frameworks. This
includes establishing internationally stringent limits on emissions, mandating regular
monitoring of pollutants, and imposing penalties on countries and bodies for non-compliance.
Adherence to treaties such as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
need robust enforcement mechanisms and wider participation. Through the establishment of
National Environmental Strategy, the Saudi government has formulated and introduced
various agendas that aim to improve the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous
chemicals. As an addendum to this strategy, Saudi Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)
has been primarily formulated to monitor compliance to environmental standards and enforce
regulations. The agency encourages industries to adopt cleaner technologies and practices,
thereby reducing chemical emissions. Saudi Arabia urges other member nations to intensify
efforts and establish similar agencies in liaison with UNEP for combating chemical pollution.
Governments globally must rally to invest in green chemistry and cleaner technology that
focuses on designing industrial processes and products that minimize chemical waste and
hazardous substances to reduce and therefore combat chemical pollution at its source. For
instance, using bio-based chemicals and water-based solvents instead of volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) can remarkably decrease air and water pollution. Governments globally
in collaboration with UN can and should incentivize research and development in this arena
through fund grants, tax credits, and public-private partnerships. In Saudi Arabia initiatives
like the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) is at the forefront
of tackling and addressing these issues. The Program is formulated along the lines of EU’S
REACH program and closely monitors strict industrial compliance to safety standards for the
use of chemicals in processes and products.
Need for greater public awareness, education, community engagement and participation
about the hazards and impact of chemical pollution is imperative. Governing bodies around
the world must do more to educate communities from grassroot level beginning from schools
and moving on further up to colleges, universities and institutions. Widespread media
campaigns and community outreach programmes can work cohesively to disseminate
information about sustainable practices, such as appropriate waste disposal, reducing the use
of toxic chemicals and advocating for environmentally friendly products for both personal
and commercial use will most certainly empower citizens to make informed choices and
encourage collective action. This is one of the key agendas for National Environment
Strategy in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia proposes greater regional and international
cooperation and investment through UNEP in these kinds of awareness programmes specially
through formation of local environment groups that can lead the charge in monitoring
pollution levels and sources, advocate for policy changes and educate fellow citizens.
Qassim directorate in Saudi Arabia is one of the most agriculturally thriving regions in the
kingdom. However, in recent years with adoption of National Environment Strategy
sustainable agricultural practices are widely practiced. Using bio-gas, natural pesticides and
herbicides and organic farming is successfully helping the kingdom to mitigate the effects of
chemical pollution in soil and waterways. Greater financial grants and educational
programmes aimed at farmers is ensuring successful adherence to these practices. Only 40%
of nitrogen is used from nitrogen-based fertilizers, remaining 60% ends up in water ways or
air endangering both marine and terrestrial life. Therefore, sustainable farming is need of the
hour globally.
Finally, effective and efficient waste management is indispensable for minimizing chemical
pollution. Through SEPA and NIDLP, the kingdom is encouraging the development of
circular economy practices, where materials are reused and recycled, thereby reducing the
need for new raw materials and minimizing pollution with incentives and rewards for
companies and industries who are the flagbearers of sustainable practices. A special
convention hosted by UNEP on chemical pollution will ensure that member nations learn
from each other’s best practices and incorporate them into national governance framework
for combating this complex challenge.
Bibliography
Dayyeh, A. A. (2023) Chemical pollution: Causes, effects, and solutions, Jordan Times.
Available at: https://jordantimes.com/opinion/ayoub-abu-dayyeh/chemical-pollution-causes-
effects-and-solutions (Accessed: September 22, 2024)
Mewa.gov.sa. (2024). Ministry’s Strategies. [online] Available at:
https://www.mewa.gov.sa/en/Ministry/initiatives/SectorStratigy/Pages/default.aspx (Accessed
22 Sep. 2024).
Damania, R., Sanchez-Triana, E. and Heister, J. (2023) Chemical pollution – the next global
crisis, World Bank Blogs. Available at:
https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/climatechange/chemical-pollution-next-global-crisis
(Accessed: 21 September 2024).
Executive Summary of The National Environment Strategy. (2018). Available at:

https://www.jetro.go.jp/ext_images/world/middle_east/sa/law/pdf/National_Environmental_S
trategy_ENG.pdf. (Accessed: September 22, 2024).
What are the dangers of chemical pollution in European waters? Europa.eu. Available at:
https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/about/contact-us/faqs/what-are-the-dangers-of-chemical-
pollution-in-european-waters (Accessed: September 22, 2024).

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Country: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Committee: United Nations Environment Program

Executive Summary of The National Environment Strategy. (2018). Available at:

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