UNESCO, Phosagro and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), unite to promote green chemistry

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova and the Chief Executive Officer of the Russian company PhosAgro Maxim Volkov, today signed a partnership agreement to promote “green chemistry”. The agreement sets the framework for the joint Green Chemistry for Life project, which will be carried out in close cooperation with the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).

Established initially for five years, the project will provide grants worth a total of $1.4m to to young scientists from developing countries who are working on the application of advanced chemistry technologies for issues like environmental protection, human health, food supplies and the use of natural resources.  Research projects will be chosen and monitored by an international scientific jury.

            “Many countries, particularly developing countries, are badly in need of developing research capacities in green chemistry, and applying its fruits for the preservation of the environment and the introduction of environmentally sound technologies,” said Irina Bokova.  “This partnership reinforces the Organization’s longstanding efforts to foster this capacity, especially among the young generations of scientists, and address these challenges

            "We view the Green Chemistry for Life project as an investment in the whole planet, and a successful example of how science and business can unite under the auspices of UNESCO to create new knowledge aimed at protecting the environment,” said Maxim Volkov. “ I also believe this project will help to improve the prestige of chemistry and lead to more young scientists choosing to study the topic."

            PhosAgro is the largest phosphate-based fertiliser producer in Europe, the largest producer of high-grade phosphate rock worldwide. PhosAgro is also a leading producer of feed phosphates in Europe, and the only producer in Russia.