The Indian Chemical Council (ICC), a body representing the $220-billion chemical and petrochemical industry, has been honoured with the 2024 OPCW-The Hague Award.
The award acknowledges ICC’s outstanding efforts in advancing chemical safety, security, and compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) announced the award, which ICC shares with Algeria’s National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology of the National Gendarmerie (NICC/NG).
This marks the first time a chemical industry body has been recognized with this prestigious accolade, highlighting ICC’s leadership in fostering a world free of chemical weapons.
Strengthening Chemical Safety and Compliance
ICC has spearheaded several initiatives to enhance safety and compliance within India’s vast chemical sector.
Through its CWC Helpdesks, the council has significantly increased industry adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention and streamlined the e-filing of chemical declarations.
Another key initiative, Nicer Globe, has revolutionized chemical transportation safety in India.
The program provides real-time tracking, monitoring, and emergency response capabilities, benefiting numerous companies, logistics providers, and drivers.
Additionally, ICC’s implementation of the Responsible Care (RC) program and the Security Code of RC, introduced in 2019, has set benchmarks for industry-wide chemical security and stewardship.
These efforts include conducting Security Vulnerability Assessments to identify and address potential risks in the chemical industry.
Global Recognition
ICC’s Director General, D. Sothi Selvam, and Dr. R. Narayanan, Advisor for CWC Help Desks, received the award from Ambassador Fernando Arias, OPCW’s Director-General, and Mr. Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague.
Ambassador Arias praised ICC’s commitment to promoting chemical safety and security. He emphasized the global impact of initiatives such as the CWC Helpdesks and Nicer Globe.
Commitment to a Safer Future
Sothi Selvam expressed gratitude on behalf of ICC. He acknowledged the support of the National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, and ICC colleagues.
He remarked, “This honour recognizes ICC’s efforts and reinforces our shared commitment to a safer, more secure world.”
Pioneering Responsible Industrial Stewardship
As a full member of the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), the Indian Chemical Council has shown exceptional leadership. It has advanced chemical safety and security significantly.
Its pioneering programs, including the Responsible Care initiative and Nicer Globe, have set industry standards, earning global acclaim.
As per the press release, the 2024 OPCW-The Hague Award highlights ICC’s critical role in ensuring compliance with international conventions. It also emphasizes ICC’s efforts in enhancing safety practices within one of the world’s largest chemical sectors.
