Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my pleasure to deliver the closing remarks for this year’s Symposium on Women in Chemistry.
First of all, I wish to express my appreciation to all of you for your engagement and valuable contributions, which have made this Symposium a resounding success.
In the last two days we have shared knowledge, perspectives, and experiences.
We have celebrated the remarkable contributions of women in science and chemistry, whose groundbreaking research and leadership continue to shape the field.
As highlighted by many speakers, a diverse and inclusive scientific community strengthens innovation, broadens perspectives, and creates impactful solutions.
It is vital that we continue advocating for gender balance, equal representation, and the meaningful participation of women in decision-making, including in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation.
But our efforts in this regard should not be undertaken in a vacuum.
We must keep pace with the times to address new challenges and seize new opportunities.
This is why, for the first time, the topic of emerging technologies was included in the Symposium.
It is vital that this issue is approached from all angles and in an inclusive manner, to ensure that no stone is left unturned in our search for effective solutions.
Recognising this, emerging technologies has also been included as a standing item on the agenda of the Executive Council.
At the same time, the Secretariat is taking important steps in developing our approach to artificial intelligence (AI).
Building on our exchanges with experts in the field, last October we co-organised with Morocco a Global Conference on the “Role of Artificial Intelligence in Advancing the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.”
This Conference reaffirmed that while AI may present challenges to the object and purpose of the Convention, it may also greatly assist the Technical Secretariat in implementing its mandates.
As we embrace these technological breakthroughs, we must ensure that they further our efforts towards inclusivity rather than reinforce existing biases.
By using these technologies in the right way, we can empower women in science, and in chemistry in particular, and enhance our collective ability to tackle the pressing challenges associated with chemical security and disarmament.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The OPCW has long recognised the critical role of women in chemical non-proliferation and has actively advocated for gender equality.
Since the launch of the Symposium on Women in Chemistry in 2016, more than 580 women chemists, legislators, chemical engineers, and first responders have benefited from the OPCW’s capacity-building programmes.
Within the Technical Secretariat, we are equally committed to gender equality, and to ensuring that talent is recognised without bias. We take pride in the strides we have made towards a more balanced and inclusive workforce. Since Ambassador Fernando Arias joined as the OPCW’s Director-General in 2018, there has been a notable increase in the number of women staff, with now nearly equal representation of men and women.
Our participation in global initiatives, career fairs, and programmes aimed at women in STEM are part of a broader effort to encourage and support the next generation of female scientists and leaders.
Distinguished participants,
In conclusion, we must ensure that the knowledge, discussions, and recommendations from this Symposium do not remain confined to this space.
Let us take these insights back to our institutions, organisations, and communities, where they can inspire lasting change.
We must work together to break down barriers, empower the next generation of women scientists, and develop policies that allow women not only to enter the field of chemistry, but to thrive in it.
I extend my deepest gratitude to our distinguished speakers, panellists, and all our participants who have generously contributed their insights and expertise.
I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to Mr Li Zhao, Head of the International Cooperation Branch, to ICA colleagues, and to all colleagues who were involved across the Secretariat, for their dedication and hard work in ensuring the success of this event.
Thank you for your attendance and your active participation during this Symposium.
I wish you safe travels and I look forward to continuing this important conversation in the future.
Thank you for your kind attention.