THE HAGUE, Netherlands–30 November 2021–Experts from Iraq shared key insights and developed skills to manage chemical supply chain security during an online workshop delivered yesterday by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The event was organised in collaboration with the non-profit organisation CRDF Global and co-funded by the U.S. Chemical Security Program.
Senior Program Advisor from U.S. Department of State, Dr Allison Tolbert, described how the U.S. Chemical Security Program assists countries in building networks and raising awareness of relevant stakeholders working on chemical security management.
The Senior Programme Officer from the OPCW’s International Cooperation Branch stressed: “Through workshops like this, the OPCW encourages collaboration and partnership between key stakeholders to promote integrated chemical management and enhance supply chain security for dual-use chemicals.”
Workshop participants examined various components of chemical supply chain security management, including principles of supply chain security, dual-use chemical challenges, threat assessments of dual-use chemicals, industrial application, and efforts to build a safety and security culture along the chemical supply chain.
The workshop was attended by 25 participants from Iraq’s National Authority, industry, academia, and government laboratories.
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 has been the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapon 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.