A key component of supporting the peaceful uses of chemistry is the promotion of responsible conduct in the chemical sciences; and building on existing ethical standards in the global chemistry community, in partnership with scientific organizations and industry groups around the world.
As a way to further advance this important work, a group of more than 30 scientists and chemistry professionals from over 20 countries convened in The Hague to discuss the ethical practice of chemistry under the norms of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Among the 30 scientists is Dr. Patrick John Y. Lim who represented the Philippines. He is the current Chair of the Chemistry Department of the University of San Carlos in Cebu.
The result of two workshops was The Hague Ethical Guidelines which serve as a tool to assess existing ethical codes and inspire new ones in a way which is fully compatible with the aims of the CWC. It is also intended to build understanding between scientists and society, and among scientists themselves, about the culture and practice of responsible science.
The initiative for the drafting of the guidelines for chemical practitioners was initially put forward by Germany which was welcomed by the 19th Conference of the States Parties (CSP). During the 20th CSP, States Parties as well as the Secretariat and all relevant stakeholders were encouraged “to promote awareness of these guidelines and their possible application.”
Click here to read The Hague Ethical Guidelines.