Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is an honour and privilege to welcome you to the eighth edition of the Review and Evaluation Workshop on the Components of the Agreed Framework for Implementing Article XI.
It is heartening to see so many distinguished representatives from across the OPCW Member States.
This year’s workshop takes place against several important milestones in the history of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the OPCW.
In May this year, our new Centre for Chemistry and Technology was inaugurated, creating a platform for integrating and strengthening our International Cooperation Programmes.
Also in May, the States Parties convened for the Fifth Review Conference.
The review process showed a convergence of views on many important issues, including the need to strengthen our support for States Parties with respect to national implementation, assistance and protection and promotion of the peaceful uses of chemistry.
In July, the Secretariat verified the destruction of the last declared chemical weapons.
In this post-destruction phase of our work that we are now entering, the Secretariat will further deepen its focus on preventing the re-emergence of Chemical Weapons, including through augmenting our international cooperation programmes.
These developments all underline the relevance of today’s workshop.
Distinguished delegates,
The central objective of this annual workshop is to bolster and advance the implementation of Article XI, which serves as the basis for our international cooperation programmes.
Your participation here today reaffirms the importance that the Member States place on giving effect to Article XI through concrete and tangible activities.
Over the years, this commitment has steadily deepened, and I genuinely appreciate your efforts and dedication to strengthening the implementation of Article XI.
You will agree that Article XI is more than a mere treaty provision in the Chemical Weapons Convention; it is the embodiment of the principle that chemistry should be used exclusively for the benefit of mankind and not for its destruction.
It underscores the conviction that peace, security, and development can be achieved through international cooperation and the fostering of the peaceful uses of chemistry.
In essence, the objective is to ensure that the implementation of the Convention does not hamper the economic and technological growth of its member states.
It underscores the right of States Parties to participate in the exchange of chemicals, equipment, and scientific and technical information for peaceful purposes.
The Organisation’s efforts and activities under Article XI builds confidence in the work of the OPCW and in the Convention, while ensuring that all States Parties benefit from their membership.
The work of the Secretariat focusses on three strategic areas, namely: Integrated Chemicals Management, Enhancing Laboratory Capabilities, and promoting chemical expertise and know-how.
These activities not only build capacity of the Member States, but they also contribute to preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons through stronger national engagement and awareness.
As always, the Secretariat stands ready to support the States Parties in translating their commitment to the Convention into action, including by providing knowledge and expertise in support of full and effective implementation of Article XI.
Furthermore, you will be pleased to note that since its inauguration, the ChemTech Centre has already delivered several key Article XI initiatives like the Symposium on Women in Chemistry, the Basic Analytical Chemistry Course for Women, and the Workshop on Policy and Diplomacy for Scientists, demonstrating its capability for seamless and efficient programme delivery.
As we continue to develop the potential of the Centre, new activities such as specialised trainings will be introduced.
The OPCW programme and budget for 2024-2025 contains a number of new initiatives in this respect, that will benefit the Member States.
I am confident that today’s plenary session, along with the thematic break-out groups scheduled in the afternoon, will help foster free and vibrant exchanges of ideas, insights, and best practices among the Workshop participants and experts.
As we engage in these discussions, let us remember that we share a common goal of preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons.
In today’s world marked by geopolitical tension and reversals in international arms control and disarmament, the Chemical Weapons Convention remains testament to what can be achieved through multilateral diplomacy and cooperation.
Let us continue along that path to a world free of chemical weapons.
I thank you for your presence, dedication, and your unwavering commitment to our shared vision.
Thank you for your attention.