Philippines Contributes $15,000 to Future OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 9 April 2021 —The Government of the Philippines has contributed US$15,000 to a special Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Trust Fund to support the construction of a new facility, the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (“ChemTech Centre”).
The contribution was formalised during a ceremony between the Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Jose Eduardo E. Malaya III, and OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, which was held today at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague.Ambassador Malaya stated: “The Philippines is committed to disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, notably chemical weapons.
I commend the work of the OPCW and its vision to establish the ChemTech Centre, which aims to strengthen the Organisation’s capability against new and emerging chemical weapons threats and support capacity building among OPCW Member States.
”The Director-General expressed his gratitude to the Government of the Philippines and noted: “The Philippine contribution advances the establishment of the ChemTech Centre which will be a centrepiece for research, analysis, and training for all Member States.”Director-General Arias also thanked all the OPCW States Parties and other donors who have supported the project.
He emphasised the important role the new ChemTech Centre will play in strengthening the OPCW’s ability to address chemical weapon threats and enhance capacity building activities to the benefit of all 193 OPCW Member States.So far, 47 countries, the European Union, and four other donors have contributed or pledged to contribute financially to the ChemTech Centre project, and €33.6M has been raised.
States Parties are encouraged to continue participating in this important project. Further voluntary contributions will also be used to finance equipment and activities related to International Cooperation and Assistance involving the ChemTech Centre. |
