Thirty-five chemistry experts from 18 countries drafted the Global Chemists’ Code of Ethics (GCCE) on April 4–6, 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The workshop that led to the GCCE draft was organized by the American Chemical Society Office of International Activities with support from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and hosted by Institut Kimia Malaysia. Logistical sponsorship for the workshop was provided by the U.S. Department of State Chemical Security Program.
Chemistry professionals from 18 countries, including American Chemical Society president-elect Dr. Allison Campbell (seated, 7th from left), were joined by host Institut Kimia Malaysia president Dr. Ong Eng Long (seated, 6th from right), during the final day of the workshop that led to the Global Chemists’ Code of Ethics. Photo credit: Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohd. Jamil Maah.
Six categories are covered by the GCCE, namely research, scientific writing and publishing, environment, safety, security, and making positive change happen. In addition to the GCCE draft, executive summaries were prepared for policy makers, industry professionals and academia. Educational materials are also available for institutions and organizations to conduct their own workshops to develop, review, or revise their existing codes of ethics and conduct as appropriate.
The GCCE covers the key elements of The Hague Ethical Guidelines which was published in December 2015 by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons after the 20th Session of the Conference of State Parties acknowledged these guidelines.
Sole Philippine representative Dr. Patrick John Y. Lim participated in the GCCE workshop and also in the drafting of The Hague Ethical Guidelines. Dr. Lim, who is a professor of chemistry at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, is the chapter president of Integrated Chemists of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter and is a board member of the Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas.