Logo of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy
On 9 December 2008 the OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter, visited the Geneva Centre for Security Policy to address participants in the International Training Course in Security Policy on “The Chemical Weapons Convention: A Case of Effective Multilateralism”.
Director-General Pfirter provided the audience with an overview of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which he stressed was the first comprehensive, non-discriminatory and multilateral disarmament treaty that bans an entire category of weapons of mass destruction. He described the work of the OPCW as an example of effective multilateralism and highlighted the many achievements of the Organisation towards fulfilling the Convention’s goals, including the destruction of all declared chemical weapons stockpiles — a core objective of the OPCW — which is pursued under a stringent international verification regime.
In his address the Director-General outlined the role of the States Parties, which is based on equal rights and obligations. He noted that possessor States are destroying their declared stockpiles of chemical weapons according to the stipulated deadlines of the Convention, and underscored that States Parties are required to ensure that within their jurisdiction chemistry is only used for peaceful purposes. Director-General Pfirter also provided details on the commitment of States Parties to provide assistance in the event any other State Party is threatened or attacked with chemical weapons.
Director-General Pfirter highlighted that effective multilateralism depends on goodwill and consensus, which has been continuously demonstrated by OPCW Member States to attain agreement on a broad range of issues. He stressed that the Convention and the OPCW represent significant milestones in the collective march towards making the world a safer place for present and future generations.
During his visit to the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, Director-General Pfirter met with the Director of the Centre, Mr Fred Tanner.