THE HAGUE, Netherlands–17 November 2020–Experts from East and South-East Asian Member States expanded their knowledge of chemical plant safety and supply chain security during today’s advanced online training led by specialists from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Participants represented chemical industry, industry associations, National Authorities, government departments, and academia.
During the opening session, the OPCW’s Head of the International Cooperation Branch, Mr Li Zhao, highlighted: “Chemical safety and security across the supply chain is of growing importance. Despite the current health crisis, the OPCW is maintaining its commitment to working closely with Member States to build capacity in this field, help reduce safety incidents and increase security.”
The course offered guidance on audit methodologies for chemical facilities to minimise the risk of safety incidents and a review of the resources, tools and training needed to further promote chemical safety standards. It also covered strategies to improve supply chain security in order to prevent the misuse of highly toxic chemicals and safeguard chemical plant supply chains against both internal and external threats.
Twenty-one participants represented the following eight OPCW Member States: Cambodia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Turkmenıstan, Timor-Leste, Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
Background
As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons. Since the Convention’s entry into force in 1997, it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.
Over 98% of all declared chemical weapon stockpiles have been destroyed under OPCW verification. For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.