Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, His Majesty the King of the Netherlands and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bert Koenders. Second Deputy Director-General of OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Mr. Hamid Ali Rao, the OPCW’s Chairperson of the Conference of the States Parties, H.E. Dr Christoph Israng, the Mayor of The Hague, H. E. Mrs Pauline Krikke and Kings Commissioner to the Province of South Holland, Mr Jaap Smit.
By Sheila Turabaz.
On the 29th of April 1997 the Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force and 87 States Parties finally recognized the importance of international cooperation and individual efforts to achieving effective progress towards the utopian view of a world free of chemical weapons. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), serving as the implementing body, was hereby established.
Twenty years later the number of States Parties has more than doubled to 192 States Parties, representing 98% of the world population. The OPCW has been contributing to the improvement of international security, stability and peace for two decades and on the occasion of its anniversary, a solemn ceremony took place on the 26th of April in the Hall of Knights (Ridderzaal) in The Hague. The 20th anniversary ceremony served as an occasion for reflection on the organisation’s achievements made over the course of its existence.
The ceremony consisted of a welcome address by OPCW Director-General H.E. Ambassador Mr. Ahmet Üzümcü, a video message by Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres who officially took office this year and reflective speeches by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Bert Koenders, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, the new Mayor of the Hague H.E. Mrs. Pauline Krikke and the Chairperson of the Conference of the States Parties, H.E. Dr. Christoph Israng (in chronological order). In between, The Babylon String Quartet – a musical ensemble based in The Hague –, performed musical interludes. Furthermore, the solemn ceremony was highlighted by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and the Director-General.
During his welcome address, the Director-General, mentioned the organisation’s achievements and re-expressed its objectives, along with paying tribute to victims of the abuse of chemical weapons throughout the world, past and present.
He concluded his welcome address by stating that “The success of the OPCW is owed to the commitment of its Member States which have spared no effort in building an efficient and vibrant multilateral organisation. The progress we have made by working together for a nobel goal shines brightly as a contribution to disarmament and non-proliferation and thereby to global peace and security. This collective endeavor has strengthened humanitarian norms, transformed attitudes and highlighted the possibilities of multilateralism. I have no doubt, that States Parties will continue their efforts to make the Convention a document of enduring validity that is universally respected. I am also confident that they will further strengthen the OPCW to make it forever responsive to the imperatives of peace and security in the world”.
Minister Koenders quoted a Canadian soldier in 1919 that described a horrendous scene involving chemical weapons on the battlefield and throughout his speech, Minister Koenders stressed the still existing threat of chemical weapons and the importance of the OPCW in combating chemical weapons abuse. Moreover, he mentioned that objectivity and verifiability is crucial in light of “fake news” threatening to “increase the confusion surrounding suspected chemical attacks”.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden — who is an advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — expressed her personal interest in chemical weapons disarmament and referred to her experience at the UN Office of Disarmament Affairs as a student, calling it an inspiration during her academic education.
The Mayor of the Hague Mrs. Krikke acknowledged the significance of the OPCW in The Hague as international city of peace and justice and — while speaking on behalf of the municipality —, (re-) assured the organization of its continued support.
Towards the end, the Chairperson of the Conference of the States Parties, Dr. Israng made his way to the lectern and addressed the audience, stating that international cooperation is necessary “to reinforce the absolute taboo of chemical weapons and (…) to fight the evil side and promote the beneficial side of chemistry”.
The ceremony was concluded with a screening of a commemorative film about the OPCW and afterwards, guests were invited to attend the reception.
