The World Forum Theatre at the 21st Session of the Conference of the States Parties.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands –16 October 2017– The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) invites media representatives to accredit themselves for the Twenty-Second Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP-22), taking place from Monday 27 November through Friday 1 December 2017 at World Forum in The Hague, Netherlands. Detailed information about CSP-22 can be found at: https://csp22.opcw.org/
The Conference of the States Parties is the principal organ of the OPCW and consists of representatives from each of the Organisation’s Member States. It meets annually to assess the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and to make key decisions regarding the future work of the Organisation. The Conference of the States Parties oversees the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, promotes the treaty’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 for one week in The Hague.
ISSUES ON THE AGENDA:
States Parties are expected to discuss the status of the Syrian chemical weapons programme, progress to date in the verifiable destruction of chemical weapons by possessor states, what steps the OPCW needs to take to tackle the growing threat of use of such weapons, and the selection of a new Director-General for the OPCW.
INTERVIEW REQUESTS:
The OPCW Spokesperson and various officials will be available for statements during the Conference. Interested media representatives should contact the Public Affairs Branch, preferably by e-mail, stating the nature of their request and topics of interest (public.affairs@opcw.org; +31 (0)70 416 3242). Requests made in advance of the CSP are appreciated.
CSP HIGHLIGHTS:
The Conference of the States Parties 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 people whose lives have been impacted by chemical weapons are present during the CSP. There are also a variety of exhibits on interesting issues related to the Chemical Weapons Convention.
MONDAY 27 NOVEMBER
The OPCW-The Hague Award Ceremony
This year’s winner will receive The OPCW-The Hague Award at 17:00 (main plenary hall of the CSP; World Forum). The Award is a legacy of the OPCW receiving the 2013 Nobel Prize for Peace and it recognises individuals and institutions that have made an outstanding contribution towards the goal of a world permanently free of chemical weapons. The Award was established in 2014 from the monetary prize accompanying the Noble Prize for Peace and is supplemented by the City of The Hague.
OPCW Director-General’s Reception
The OPCW Director-General invites all participants of CSP-22, including members of the media, to the opening reception that will be held on Monday 27 November at 18:00 (Delegates Lounge; OPCW Headquarters).
THURSDAY 30 NOVEMBER
Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare
This tribute event will be held on Thursday 30 November from 9:00 to 10:00 (Ieper Room; OPCW Headquarters). Commemoratory statements will be followed by wreath-laying at the memorial site in the OPCW garden.
The ceremony serves as a reminder that chemical weapons have yet to be consigned to the past and are still bringing about enormous human suffering. The OPCW will pay homage to all victims of chemical warfare and reaffirm its commitment to uphold the global norm against these reprehensible weapons.
ALL WEEK
Side Events
States Parties, International Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and OPCW’s Technical Secretariat will organise a wide variety of side events that showcase success stories, highlight important issues, provide trainings in advanced techniques in verification, spotlight challenges due to emerging technologies and more.
Exhibitions
Throughout the Conference, at both the World Forum and OPCW Headquarters, exhibits will be provided by a large number of NGOs and several States Parties. These exhibits can offer insights into various issues connected to CWC implementation.
ACCREDITATION DEADLINE AND DETAILS:
Media representatives must submit an accreditation request via an online form (see link to form below) to the OPCW as soon as possible, and no later than Thursday 23 November at 16:00 CET, as space is limited.
Note: Members of the media should NOT submit their accreditation requests to Embassies, as such requests will be considered invalid.
Accreditation requests should include the full name of the media outlet; the names of journalists, cameramen and other technicians who wish to attend; the type of recording equipment that will be used; copies of passports or other forms of official ID, such as numbered photo IDs; and valid press cards. Volunteers not in possession of a valid press card should enclose a letter from their editor, nominating them to act as the media outlet’s representative at the CSP.
All accredited media representatives will require a conference badge to gain access to public Conference sessions and events, both at the World Forum and at OPCW Headquarters. Badges will be issued, upon presentation of a valid ID, at the registration desk from 9:00 on Monday 27 November at the World Forum. Badges must be worn visibly at all times while on the Conference premises.
Limited space for cameras and sound equipment (breakout sound boxes) will be provided in the plenary hall of the Conference. Should camera arrangements be needed at other times or locations during the Conference, media representatives are asked to contact public.affairs@opcw.org.
Please note that some States Parties may indicate that their National Statement is not public. Members of the media are asked to abide by this request.
Background
As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons. Since the Convention’s entry into force in 1997 – with its 192 States Parties – it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.
Over 96 per cent of all chemical weapon stockpiles declared by possessor States have been destroyed under OPCW verification. For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Prize for Peace.