OPCW Chemical Technology Center Officially Launched

On Friday 12 May 2023, in the presence of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)’s new Chemical Technology Center (Chemtech Center) was inaugurated in Peinacker Notdorp, The Netherlands. I was.

At the ceremony, His Majesty the King unveiled a plaque marking the official inauguration of the center, and a guided tour of the facility was provided.

“The Chemtech Center is a multilateral diplomatic success and a tangible symbol of what the international community can achieve together for world peace and security. It is an honor and a privilege to open the Center,” said the Executive Director in his opening remarks. “I would like to thank the 57 donor countries and others, including the European Union and members of the Global Partnership against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, for their strong political and financial support towards the realization of this center. thanks to the helpers of We leave a special legacy to future generations for the common good of peace and security. ”

The Chemtech Center is an important upgrade of the OPCW’s ability to adapt to the evolving global security environment and help Member States uphold global norms against chemical weapons. This ensures that the organization can continue to address the threats and opportunities arising from rapid advances in science and technology.

The Center will also provide a platform for better coordination of efforts among scientists, academia, civil society, industry and relevant international organizations. Activities at the Center support the organization’s role as the world’s leading repository of chemical weapons expertise and knowledge to address the world’s chemical threats.

The ChemTech center is located in Pinecker Notdorp, 12 km from the OPCW headquarters in The Hague. The facility area is 5,700 square meters. It houses the OPCW Institute, a technical and training hub, teaching spaces, advanced training facilities for OPCW staff, and capacity building activities for experts in Member States.