New Delhi: The Indian Chemical Council (ICC) has been awarded the 2024 OPCW-The Hague Award for its work in promoting chemical safety and security in India. The award was presented at a ceremony during the 29th Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP) of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague on November 25, 2024.
This is the first time the award has been given to a chemical industry body. The ICC, which represents over 80% of India’s $220 billion chemical industry, was recognized for its efforts in promoting compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), enhancing industry-wide security practices, and promoting chemical safety.
D. Sothi Selvam, Director General of ICC, received the award on behalf of the Council from OPCW Director-General Ambassador Fernando Arias and The Hague Mayor Jan van Zanen. The Indian Ambassador to the OPCW, along with the Chairperson of India’s NACWC, attended the ceremony.
The OPCW-The Hague Award, established in 2014 to preserve the legacy of the OPCW’s 2013 Nobel Peace Prize, recognizes individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the goals of the CWC. The award acknowledges the ICC’s initiatives like the Chemical Weapons Convention Helpdesks, which have improved industry compliance and facilitated e-filing for chemical declarations.