THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 12 February 2020 — The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) took part today in the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) Global Women’s Breakfast.
The purpose of the Global Women’s Breakfast is to establish an on-going virtual network where women in the chemical and related sciences can connect with each other to support their professional aspirations and to develop leadership skills. This year’s Global Women’s Breakfast’s theme is “Building bonds to create future leaders” with a focus on leadership development.
In her welcome address, H.E. Ms Odette Melono, OPCW Deputy Director-General, underlined the need to align women’s empowerment in the scientific world with the speed at which science and technology are currently advancing. She stated: “to rid the world of chemical weapons and promote the peaceful uses of chemistry requires harnessing and developing the talents of the best and brightest. This can only be achieved with an equitable and inclusive workforce.”
Participants from the OPCW discussed a variety of ways to further strengthen the local scientific such as research partners, mentor/mentee programmes, sharing educational resources, and job opportunities.
On the occasion of the Breakfast, women and men from high schools, universities, scientific societies, government and industry organisations organised events around the world.
Background
As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons. Since the Convention’s entry into force in 1997, it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.
Over 97% of all chemical weapon stockpiles declared by possessor States have been destroyed under OPCW verification. For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.