Conference of the States Parties
Media

Media representatives are invited to apply for accreditation for the Conference of States Parties

25 to 29 November 
World Forum, The Hague, Netherlands

Media registration is now closed. 
 

About the Conference

The Conference of the States Parties (CSP) oversees the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, promotes the Convention’s objectives, and reviews compliance with the treaty. The Conference is composed of representatives of all Member States of the OPCW, each of which has one vote. The CSP meets annually in The Hague.

Issues on the agenda

During the Conference, States Parties will (among other things) discuss the following topics:

  • The status of the Convention’s implementation  
  • Maintaining readiness to respond to the use or the threat of use of chemical weapons 
  • Engaging with the chemical industry and the scientific community to advance the implementation of the Convention
  • Promoting peaceful applications of chemistry and ensuring safe production and secure use of chemicals  
  • The OPCW Programme for Africa
  • Promoting universality of the CWC 

Conference highlights

The Conference provides an excellent opportunity for members of the media to learn more about and report on the history, legacy, achievements, and challenges ahead for the Chemical Weapons Convention and the OPCW. A rich community of experts, practitioners, officials, and individuals whose lives have been impacted by chemical weapons are present during the Conference.

Side Events

A wide variety of side events will be organised that showcase success stories, highlight important issues, provide trainings, and spotlight challenges for the global effort to ensuring a world free of chemical weapons.

All accredited media representatives have access to open side events during the Conference. A schedule of side events will be posted in the daily Journal during the Conference.

Media accreditation

Media representatives must apply for accreditation to attend the Conference in-person. Accreditation requests sent to embassies are invalid and will not be considered. Applications will only be considered when submitted through the Secretariat’s media accreditation request form.

Photo ID

All information on the application form must be entered exactly as it appears in the government-issued photo ID which the attendee must present at the badge pick-up desk.

Valid press card

Applicants must be in possession of a valid press card or assignment letter from the editor of a media organisation or publication.

Freelance journalists

Freelance journalists or freelance photographers must provide clear evidence of being on-assignment from a specific news organisation or publication. A valid assignment letter from the editor of a news organisation or publication is required. Photographic agencies must provide clear evidence from a client news organisation or publication.

Access and venue arrangements

All accredited media representatives require a conference badge to gain access to public sessions and events, both at the World Forum and at OPCW Headquarters.

Badges will be issued to accredited media representatives, upon presentation of a valid ID, at the registration desk at the World Forum. Badges must be always worn visibly while on the Conference premises.

All media representatives and equipment must pass through a security screening.

Seating

Members of the media may be seated in the balcony section of the King Willem Alexander Theatre to follow public session proceedings. Space is provided on a first come, first served basis.

Cameras and equipment

Camera equipment and tripods cannot be accommodated in the King Willem Alexander Theatre.

Media representatives may submit requests to interview OPCW officials to OPCW Public Affairs.

Media representatives may contact delegations directly for interview requests with other officials. Please contact OPCW Public Affairs to coordinate on the location of any proposed camera equipment setups to ensure safe and smooth logistics in the conference venue.

Webcast

All public sessions of the Conference will be live webcast in all official languages of the OPCW. Recordings of public sessions will be available shortly after each session adjourns.

This video footage may be re-broadcast freely in reporting on the work of the OPCW. It may not be used in any manner that might be reasonably interpreted to suggest that it has been authorised by, endorsed by, or represents the views of the OPCW. Attribution is not required.

Photos

Photos provided through the OPCW’s official Flickr account may be used freely in reporting on the work of the Organisation. Please credit photos “Photo: OPCW”.

Official documents

All publicly available documents from the Conference will be published on the OPCW website. Printed documents are no longer provided.

Media requests

Any OPCW-related media requests may be directed to OPCW Public Affairs.