Speech by Jan van Zanen at the presentation of the OPCW-The Hague Award, 25 November 2024

 

Dear chair,

Director-General Arias,

Honourable delegates,

Esteemed nominees,

 

First of all, my heartfelt congratulations to the two winners of the OPCW-The Hague Award 2024.

I am delighted to welcome you to The Hague as our guests.

For 125 years now, the city of peace and justice.

War and terrorism are the work of people.

Protecting humanity from such is also the work of people.

The work of the Indian Chemical Council provides a good example of that.

The same applies to The National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology of the National Gendarmerie from Algeria.

As we all know: the times we live in give cause for concern.

However, in a world where many are beset by fear and uncertainty, you offer hope.

Hope for a safer and more peaceful world.

Just as the OPCW does.

In twenty years’ time this organisation has essentially managed to destroy all known stocks of chemical weapons.

A huge undertaking.

The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for that work, and rightly so.

But you and I also know that this work will never be done.

The OPCW-The Hague Award winners make a real contribution to reducing the continuing threat posed by chemical weapons.

Scientific research and its practical application play an important part in that.

The city of The Hague sees it as its mission to promote this.

As shown not only by our direct involvement with this award.

But also by a policy that aims to provide The Hague’s international knowledge institutes with opportunities for cooperation.

By bringing parties together.

To facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience.

To promote synergy.

The Hague is pleased to offer a platform for that.

Just as we are keen to welcome international meetings.

Like the World Council of United Cities and Local Governments, UCLG.

A conference dedicated to peace and the role that local governments can play in that.

Something that I, as president of the UCLG, am firmly committed to.

Peace, justice and security are not given.

They must be fought for.

The OPCW, along with this year’s two winners, actively contribute to that.

The Hague considers it a great honour that the name of our city is linked to this award.

So you can be assured that you can always count on our support.