The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) poses one of the most serious threats to international security, a danger that is especially acute in fragile regions and countries with limited experience and resources. In order to prevent terrorists from acquiring these weapons it is critically important to ensure that governments can effectively implement measures to prevent the illicit production or trafficking of WMDs and WMD-related materials. Governments, international organizations, NGOs and specialized agencies all play a role in helping countries implement these measures at country level.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a party to all of the most important non-proliferation treaties. In addition it also needs to implement WMD non-proliferation and counter-terrorism measures that have been adopted by the UN Security Council. At present, however, Bosnia and Herzegovina government lacks sufficient resources to fully implement its obligations in a timely and effective manner.

The overall objective of the seminar is to develop a comprehensive national strategy for improving national capacities in the field of non-proliferation of WMDs and counter-terrorism. It aims to foster closer cooperation between the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina and interested partners, to strengthen its implementation efforts, and to facilitate regional cooperation among countries in the Western Balkans.

The seminar will promote the development of effective national tools to implement international obligations required under non-proliferation agreements, and serve as an instrument to foster cooperation between governments and the relevant international organisations and interested partners. It will also aim to improve international mechanisms and the capabilities of implementing bodies to respond to requests for assistance, and promote best international and national standards aimed at the non-proliferation of WMDs and anti-terrorism.

The seminar will bring together governments, international and regional organizations, and industry to create a platform of cooperation and exchange of best practices aimed at global non-proliferation and anti-terrorism efforts in the field of weapons of mass destruction. The programme will include relevant presentations on the available experience and expertise in Bosnia and Herzegovina, available international assistance, and issues related to regional cooperation.

In addition, the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina intend to establish a national team composed of experts from relevant ministries and agencies, which will continue to function as a national implementation unit for non-proliferation arrangements supported by international entities.

The organizing partner for the seminar, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), addresses the danger of WMD proliferation in the chemical domain as the implementing agency for the international Chemical Weapons Convention. Part of its mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Member States for assistance and protection against the possible use of chemical weapons, a key security assurance they receive on joining the Convention that will be explored in the seminar.

A. Long term objectives at the national level:

To ensure the development of national knowledge, capabilities and experience related to WMD proliferation and terrorism; to strengthen national capabilities for meeting these threats; and to improve national standards and practices. The overall goal is to develop a comprehensive strategy with timeframes for long-term action against WMD proliferation and terrorism at national and regional levels in the Western Balkans.

B. Long term objectives at the international level:

The seminar aims to ensure the long-term engagement of international organisations in building effective national and regional responses against WMD proliferation and terrorism in the Western Balkans. It will seek to create a platform of cooperation for follow-up activities involving the B-H government, other governments in the region and international organisations such as the OPCW, EU, UNODC, UNODA, UNICRI, BWC Implementation Support Unit, EUROJUST and others.

The seminar is open to representatives of governments and of related international organisations and NGOs. Participants should have relevant experience in capacity building programmes in the sphere of WMD non-proliferation and counter-terrorism. The language of the seminar will be English.

At the Seminar a number of papers will be presented on the experiences of countries, international organisations and companies. The papers may address synergies for capacity-building programmes in the sphere of non-proliferation and fighting terrorism. Seminar presentations and outcomes will be published.