The Hague, 3 August 2001

Following the success of the first course of the OPCW Associate Programme held last year, the OPCW has once again organised a course for this year, which will commence on 6 August 2001. The course will run for a period of 10 weeks, and will not only train participants in how the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) is implemented, but will also provide first-hand exposure to modern chemical operations. The course also aims at facilitating trade through the adoption of good practices by the chemical industry and building a "non-proliferation" culture. Additionally, it broadens the basis for future recruitment for National Authorities and the OPCW.

Out of the approximately 100 applicants for this year’s course, 12 trainees from developing countries and countries with economies in transition have been carefully selected through interviews. They come from: Algeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Morocco and Zimbabwe in Africa; Peru and Trinidad and Tobago in Latin America and the Caribbean; Armenia and Lithuania in Eastern Europe; and Pakistan in Asia. All the trainees have advanced technical qualifications.

The OPCW Associate Programme provides a unique blend of exposure and training in the various aspects of the CWC, and in the activities of the OPCW; the participants, through hands-on experience, gain knowledge and relevant skills in the areas of chemistry and engineering, and learn about modern practices in chemical industry operations. The 10-week course consists of theoretical and practical work, including classroom instruction, work at a simulation chemical plant at the University of Surrey (United Kingdom), exercises and visits, and industrial attachments at six chemical companies in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany.

In a significant new development, the United Kingdom and Canada have offered financial support for conducting the University of Surrey segment of the programme. The National Authority of the Netherlands, other Dutch institutions and the World Customs Organisation are also supporting the course.

Promoting international cooperation in the peaceful uses of chemistry is one of the core objectives of the CWC. The OPCW Associate Programme is an example of how OPCW programmes can promote the international security goals of the Convention, foster international cooperation and, at the same time, increase transparency in the chemical activities of the Member States. The OPCW plans to expand the Associate Programme in the future.