2024 OPCW-The Hague Award recipients announced

THE HAGUE, Netherlands-22 November 2024-The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Fernando Arias, and the Mayor of the Municipality of The Hague, Mr Jan van Zanen, announced the decision of the OPCW-The Hague Award selection panel to honour two recipients of the 2024 OPCW-The Hague Award:

• Algeria's National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology of the National Gendarmerie (NICC/NG)

NICC/NG is a forensic science institute focused on advancing crime-fighting capabilities by integrating scientific methods into judicial and criminal processes. In 2024, following a rigorous certification process, NICC/NG joined OPCW's global Designated Laboratories network, bolstering chemical security across the continent and contributing to international non-proliferation efforts. NICC/NG became the first laboratory in Africa to achieve OPCW Designated Laboratory status since 2006.

The National Institute has distinguished itself as a top forensic laboratory contributing significantly to chemistry for peace in Africa. In recent years, it has played a vital role in promoting regional capacity-building efforts by supporting key initiatives such as the CHEMEX Africa exercise in October 2023.

• Indian Chemical Council (ICC)

ICC is a chemical industry body recognised for its role in promoting chemical safety, compliance with the Convention, and enhancing industry-wide security practices in India. Through initiatives like the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) Helpdesks, ICC has increased industry compliance and facilitated efficient e-filing for chemical declarations. Additionally, ICC's 'Nicer Globe' initiative has had a substantial impact on chemical transportation safety in India, offering real-time monitoring and emergency response capabilities. ICC has conducted other activities to promote chemical safety and security through its 'Responsible Care' (RC) programme and the introduction of the Security Code of RC. Their focus on enhancing industry security and advancing national implementation of the Convention in one of the world's largest chemical sectors demonstrates an outstanding commitment to responsible industrial stewardship, and the aims of the CWC in this regard.

This is the first time that the Award recognises the efforts of a chemical industry body.

The OPCW-The Hague Award ceremony will take place on Monday, 25 November, 12:15-12:50 CET, on the sidelines of the Twenty-Ninth Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CSP-29). Both the Conference and the Award ceremony will be livestreamed here.

"The OPCW-The Hague Award underscores the vital importance of collaboration among diverse stakeholders in the pursuit of a world free of chemical weapons," said Director-General Arias.

"This year's recipients exemplify the breadth of this effort: Algeria's National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology of the National Gendarmerie demonstrates the indispensable contribution of the OPCW Designated Laboratories in strengthening global capacity to detect and prevent the misuse of chemical substances, while the Indian Chemical Council highlights the critical role of the chemical industry in advancing responsible practices and ensuring that chemistry is only used for peaceful purposes," he added.

"The winners of this year's OPCW-The Hague Award reflect the remarkable global efforts needed to work towards a world free of chemical weapons. Their dedication and innovative approach are inspiring examples of how we can work together for a safer and more peaceful world. Together, we must continue to push forward, fostering collaboration and innovation to build a future rooted in global peace and security," said Mr van Zanen.

Background

In 2013, the OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons. To preserve the legacy of this achievement, the OPCW established the OPCW-The Hague Award in collaboration with the Municipality of The Hague in 2014. The Award recognises individuals and organisations that play a significant role in advancing the goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The total €90,000 cash prize is awarded to up to three recipients annually.

The OPCW Designated Laboratories network includes national laboratories around the world which must be able to perform analysis of samples collected by OPCW inspectors from chemical production facilities, storage depots and other installations, or from the site of an alleged chemical weapons use. The OPCW requires each laboratory to undergo a rigorous proficiency testing programme to ensure it meets the Organisation's standards in samples handling. This includes technical proficiency, robust and verifiable chain of custody, impartial testing, and reporting through strict criteria. Obtaining OPCW Designation is a robust process, demanding both technical expertise and financial resources.

As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons. Since the Convention's entry into force in 1997, it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.

In 2023, the OPCW verified that all chemical weapons stockpiles declared by the 193 States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention since 1997 - totalling 72,304 metric tonnes of chemical agents - have been irreversibly destroyed under the OPCW's strict verification regime.

For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.