The Hague, September 15, 2026. A wide-ranging exchange took place with Sabrina Dallafior Matte and Macondo Kaapanda-Girnus, Director-General and Deputy Director-General, respectively, of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), attended by a group of female ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Ambassador Dallafior, who began her tenure last July, shared her vision regarding where the OPCW should focus its efforts amidst the current complex geopolitical landscape to ensure compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), a key international legal instrument for disarmament.
The Swiss diplomat emphasized the need to strengthen dialogue and collaborate with all sectors (academic, scientific, and business) to raise awareness and work toward a world free of chemical weapons. In this context, she advocated for prioritizing the efficient use of science and innovation and paying special attention to emerging technologies.
For her part, Deputy Director-General Kaapanda-Girnus spoke of the opportunity to implement new working methods and foster a collaborative environment where all Member States and OPCW staff feel empowered to contribute and exchange ideas. She also highlighted the interest in continuing to promote the role of women in multilateral diplomacy and in decision-making processes regarding peace and security.
During the cordial meeting, Cuban Ambassador Eva Yelina Silva Walker held a brief exchange with the Director-General, reiterating Cuba’s commitment to the full, effective, and non-discriminatory implementation of all provisions of the Convention.
Embassy of Cuba in the Netherlands.