UNEP and Qatar hold Technical Workshop on Development and Adoption of International Standards

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) OzonAction Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP), West Asia Office, in cooperation with the National Ozone Unit (NOU) of the Government of State of Qatar, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, organized a successful online technical workshop for Stakeholders on the Development and Adoption of International Standards, as part of the country’s efforts to accomplish the tasks under the Kigali Amendment Enabling Activities project.

The workshop was attended by various representatives from industries, academia, government agencies with the participation of NOUs of Kuwait, and Iraq as part of the interregional cooperation and exchange of experiences. After providing an overview about the related international standards, their scopes, and applicability, participants discussed the importance of developing/adopting international standards relevant to refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) as Qatar’s preparation for the possible introduction of alternatives to hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) that might be flammable, operate at high pressure, or be more toxic.

Mr. Ahmad Alabduljabar and Ms. Sarah Aljabri of Qatar’s General Authority for Standardization and Metrology presented the status of the national standards adopted in the country related to RAC which are mainly to regulate the Energy Efficiency considerations.

Various International Standards relevant to product safety, servicing and maintenance procedures, and technician certification were presented by Mr. Manuel Azucena, on the possible applicable standards to the State of Qatar’s context.  The experience of the Philippines in developing and adopting international standards into national standards was shared by Mr. Augusto Quitco, a Technical Committee member of the Bureau of Philippines Standards.

During the open discussion, various questions and suggestions were made by the participants from different industries and government agencies such as the creation of an ad hoc committee in case a new standard is developed and adopted which will affect the RAC industry. Mr. Yaquob Almatouq from Kuwait’s NOU further suggested the full utilization of the South-South cooperation in developing and adopting relevant standards for the GCC.

In closing, Ms. Mona Alemadi, from Qatar’s NOU, thanked UNEP and all participants including guests from Kuwait and Iraq for their active participation and for sharing their experiences which will help in undertaking the tasks ahead in updating Qatar’s national standards. Mr. Khaled Klaly, Montreal Protocol Regional Coordinator, UNEP West Asia, extended his appreciation to all the participants, resource persons from Qatar and the Philippines, and the efforts of the NOU in organizing a fruitful and successful workshop.