Asser training participants
THE HAGUE, Netherlands—4 October 2024—The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and T.M.C Asser Institute concluded the fifteenth addition of their annual training programme on disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in October this year. The goal of the course was to equip early to mid-career professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to tackle the challenges of today’s non-proliferation and disarmament agenda.
“This programme offers early and mid-career professionals a unique opportunity to learn about one of the most pressing international challenges—weapons of mass destruction,” said OPCW Deputy Director-General, Ambassador Odette Melono, at the opening of the event.
“The threat posed by these weapons is constantly evolving as geopolitical dynamics change, and new technologies become available. This course aims to provide future leaders in disarmament and non-proliferation with insights into the legal, scientific, and political factors shaping the current landscape of weapons of mass destruction,” she added.
Panel discussion during the OPCW-Asser training programme
During the intensive five-day training programme from 30 September to 4 October 2024 in The Hague, participants heard from renowned experts and practitioners in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation of WMDs and engaged in active discussions about key issues and current debates. Main topics included various aspects of the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, such as national implementation and efforts undertaken by the OPCW to respond to the threat of chemical terrorism, international arms control law, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation treaties as well as scientific and technological developments relevant to disarmament and non-proliferation. Participants also visited the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (ChemTech Centre) and the TU-Delft Nuclear Research Reactor.
Asser training participants receive tour of the OPCW ChemTech Centre and speak with Mr Ardalan Zargham, Head of Logistics (acting)
“At times, when military expenditure is rising, it is all the more important to continue working for WMD disarmament and non-proliferation. International organisations and national governments are in desperate need of pertinent expertise. The non-proliferation training program at Asser offers a perfect opportunity for professionals to expand their knowledge and their networks. With the support of the OPCW, Asser thus helps to pave a science-based and practice-fed path towards a more peaceful future,” said Thilo Marauhn, Professor of International Law at the Asser Institute and the Justus Liebig University Giessen.
“This programme has been a truly invaluable experience. The blend of theoretical insight and practical exposure, including field visits to organizations like the OPCW and Delft Nuclear Research Reactor, provided a comprehensive view of both policy and operational aspects of WMD non-proliferation. Witnessing first-hand the efforts of the OPCW at its state-of-the-art Centre for Chemistry and Technology reinforced the importance of international cooperation and technical expertise in upholding the Chemical Weapons Convention,” said Neslihan Kulahlioglu, Assistant Professor at the Department of Medical CBRN Defense at the Institute of Defensive Health Sciences, Gulhane Campus at the University of Health Sciences in Ankara and a training participant.
Asser training participants
“These experiences, alongside expert-led sessions on emerging threats like chemical and biological terrorism, AI’s role in arms control, and the intricacies of export controls, have deepened my knowledge and skills in CBRN defense. This training not only enhances my capacity to contribute to global security but also significantly strengthens my career as I work to support international arms control efforts and uphold non-proliferation commitments,” she added.
The OPCW provided scholarships to several participants from civil society, with funds made available by the European Union.
Background
In August 2010, the T.M.C Asser Instituut and the OPCW launched the very first programme on disarmament and non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs). Ever since, the programme has established itself as a highly regarded educational resource for advanced graduate students and early- to mid-career professionals with interests in WMD diplomacy and treaty implementation. The WMD training programme continually evolves and discusses cross-cutting aspects in high-level panels and now introduces more interactive elements such as a debate and a simulation exercise.
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.
In 2023, the OPCW verified that all chemical weapons stockpiles declared by the 193 States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention since 1997 — totalling 72,304 metric tonnes of chemical agents — have been irreversibly destroyed under the OPCW’s strict verification regime.
For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.