The Indian Chemical Council (ICC) has been honoured with the 2024 OPCW-The Hague Award, marking a significant milestone for the Indian chemical industry. The award was presented during the 29th Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP) to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on November 25, 2024, in The Hague. Delegates from 193 member states and global chemical industry leaders witnessed the ceremony, which for the first time recognised the contributions of a chemical industry organization.
Ambassador Fernando Arias, Director-General of the OPCW, and Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, presented the award to ICC Director General, Mr. D. Sothi Selvam. Also present were the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the OPCW and the Chairperson of India’s National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), reflecting India’s steadfast commitment to the principles of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
A Landmark in the Chemical Industry Recognition
The Chemical Weapons Convention, which became effective in 1997, aims to create a world free of chemical weapons. With 193 states as signatories, the OPCW oversees the Convention’s implementation from its headquarters in The Hague. India, an original signatory, enforces its compliance domestically through the NACWC.
The OPCW-The Hague Award, established in 2014 following OPCW’s receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013, honours individuals and organizations contributing to the objectives of the CWC. This year’s recognition of ICC underscores the Council’s role in promoting chemical safety, industry-wide security, and compliance with international norms.
ICC’s Exemplary Contributions
As the leading representative of India’s $220 billion chemical industry, ICC accounts for over 80% of the sector. The organization has championed initiatives to ensure chemical safety and security, thereby enhancing India’s adherence to the CWC. Key achievements include:
- Establishing Chemical Weapons Convention Helpdesks to facilitate industry compliance and streamline e-filing processes for chemical declarations.
- Launching the Nicer Globe initiative, a groundbreaking program that improves chemical transportation safety through real-time monitoring and emergency response systems.
- Advancing safety and security through the Responsible Care (RC) program, including the introduction of a Security Code to address emerging threats.
Through these efforts, ICC has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to responsible industrial practices and reinforced India’s leadership in the global chemical sector.
A Celebration of Global Cooperation
This award not only highlights ICC’s pivotal role but also reinforces the significance of collaborative efforts in achieving the OPCW’s vision of a safer, chemical-weapon-free world. It serves as an inspiration for industries worldwide to prioritize safety, sustainability, and compliance with international treaties.