THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 8 October 2021 — Chemical industry practitioners from Asian Member States of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) expanded their knowledge of safety and security in chemical transportation at an advanced online workshop. The event, held from 4 to 8 October, was conducted by the OPCW in partnership with the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) and E-Response Alert Sdn Bhd, Malaysia.
Opening the event, the Chairman of the National Authority of Malaysia (NACWC), Mr Dato’ Zainol Rahim Zainuddin, stressed Malaysia’s support for OPCW’s undertaking to strengthen road transport chemical safety and security in Asia. He stated: “Malaysia is dedicated to enhancing chemical supply road transportation safety and security management through the harmonisation and convergence of best practices, standards, and procedures in the region.”
OPCW’s Head of the International Cooperation Branch, Mr Li Zhao, noted: “Raising awareness of chemical transport safety and security is crucial for both the current industry players and the younger generation, some of whom will move into policy-making.”
In addition to experienced practitioners, the workshop was open to university students, particularly those enrolled in faculties of chemical engineering, to ensure enduring recognition of the issues around chemical transport security among Asia’s professionals.
The workshop provided information on risk assessment, risk mitigation measures and performance auditing, as well as outlining the latest research and development in monitoring and control related to the chemical supply chain.
Participants comprised 136 students, representatives of chemical industry and industry associations, National Authorities, government departments, research institutes, and academia from the following 12 OPCW Member States: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Iraq, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan.
Background
The training was held as part of OPCW’s efforts towards full implementation of Article XI of the Chemical Weapons Convention that encourages the economic and technological development of OPCW Member States through free participation in the exchange of chemicals, equipment, and scientific and technical information, in accordance with the provisions of the Convention.
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.