About OPCW-The Hague Award

Context:

The 2024 OPCW The Hague Award was conferred upon the Indian Chemical Council (ICC) 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) at Hague.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About OPCW-The Hague Award
2. About the Indian Chemical Council (ICC)
3. Key Facts About the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

About OPCW-The Hague Award

The OPCW-The Hague Award was established in 2014 by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in collaboration with the Municipality of The Hague. This award recognizes exceptional contributions toward the goal of a chemical weapons-free world.

Key Features:

• Objective:
  • To honor significant contributions by individuals and organizations from various sectors such as academia, research, the chemical industry, and civil society.
• Award Details:
  • Recipients are awarded:
    • A medallion.
    • A certificate.
    • A share of the €90,000 award fund.

About the Indian Chemical Council (ICC)

The Indian Chemical Council (ICC) is India’s premier body representing the chemical industry, established in 1938.

Key Functions:

• Representation:
  • Serves as the apex national body representing all branches of India’s chemical industry, including:
    • Organic & inorganic chemicals.
    • Plastics and petrochemicals.
    • Petroleum refineries.
• Export Facilitation:
  • Authorized by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to issue Certificates of Origin for exporters through its offices in Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai.

Initiatives:

• Nicer Globe Initiative:
  • Enhances chemical transportation safety with:
    • Real-time monitoring.
    • Emergency response capabilities.
• Responsible Care (RC) Programme:
  • Promotes chemical safety and security.
  • Introduced the Security Code of Responsible Care to improve safety standards.

Key Facts About the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

• Role:
  • Implements the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) to achieve a world free of chemical weapons.
  • Fosters international cooperation in chemistry for peaceful purposes.
• Responsibilities:
  • Receives declarations from member states on:
    • Chemical weapons-related activities or materials.
    • Relevant industrial activities.
• Recognition:
  • Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.
• Headquarters:
  • Located in The Hague, Netherlands.

Significance of OPCW’s Mission

The OPCW’s efforts aim to:

• Eliminate the threat of chemical weapons globally.
• Promote safe and peaceful applications of chemical science.
• Foster international collaboration for chemical security.