Associate Programme 2010 Closing Ceremony

Speech on behalf of the Associates

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    Mr Director-General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Good afternoon.

    It’s a privilege and an honour for me to be able to represent associates from 27 different countries and to address this gathering where representatives of the peace-loving nations are present to show their solidarity towards a world free of chemical weapons.

    The Associate Programme 2010 is a one-of-a-kind training programme where we learned about the Chemical Weapon Conventions, Scheduled chemicals, OPCW’s contribution to global anti-terrorism efforts etc. This is something many of us were not at all aware of. We have been trained in the inspection process itself, which was challenging and interesting. The  numerous lectures and power point presentations on the Ooms Room’s huge screen have put our heads so high that we would never again be able to look down to anyone again.

    The Surrey University section was revitalizing and homogenizing, which transformed 27 individuals into one family. The industrial section was more about first-hand experience in industries and we had it all. We take this opportunity to thank the team of ICA under the skillful leadership of Mrs Kalimi Mworia  and ably supported by  Mr. Misra, Ms Olga Falco, Ms Julia, Ms Rufaro and Ms Ruth who walked us through the programme proficiently and made it a learning and pleasant experience.

    Mr Director General, while we were here for 10 weeks, many things happened in our home countries. Pakistan had it worst floods, other countries had other events, our children became 10 weeks older, and we grew as more responsible citizens of the world. Although we are from different parts of the world, we understand chemistry the same way; phosgene or sarin has same meaning for us. Today, Mr Director- General, we promise you that from now on our understanding of chemistry will be used for a peaceful world regardless of our political identity. It has also strengthened our resolve to continue to promote the use of chemistry, an essential element of life, for peaceful purposes.

    While we were here, many of us observed Ramadan, the month of fasting. This year training of Ramadan went hand in hand with training of harmonious co-existence with people from many faiths and nationalities. We thank OPCW for creating this unique opportunity.

    Mr Director-General, the Associate Program 2010 has been blessed with 27 brilliant participants carefully chosen from all over the world. Among them six were women. We earnestly believe that participation of women in all spheres of life is important; not only for giving a voice to women but also for the wellbeing of mankind as a whole. Our lady participants added beauty, strength and eloquence to the Associate Programme in their own ways and enriched it greatly. And our gentlemen participants were always appreciative of that, so my salute goes to both.

    Today, our thoughts go also to our families who have supported us during the 10-week period of time that we have been away from home.

    Mr Director-General, we are representing 27 Member States fully committed to the goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention. We all hold relevant positions in our home countries, in the government, industries or academia. Many of us are involved in shaping the new generation of scientists aiming at excellence in science and commitment to world peace. Today on behalf of 27 associates, I take an oath to be a lifelong ambassador for the goals of the OPCW. 

    Finally, Mr Director-General, I congratulate you for leading OPCW, one of the most successful international organizations upholding peace. I hope the leadership and consensus provided by this organization is a model for dealing with other disarmament issues. I conclude my speech with the slogan long live world peace.

    Thank you very much everybody.