THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 2 July 2020 — Spanish-speaking Member States of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) enhanced their knowledge and skills related to the effective implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), during a regional general training course held online from 29 June to 2 July.
The OPCW’s Director of the International Cooperation and Assistance Division, Ms Kayoko Gotoh, emphasised in her opening remarks the important role that National Authorities play in ensuring the effective fulfilment of CWC obligations and the importance of raising awareness of the Convention among national stakeholders.
Intended for National Authorities personnel who have little or no previous involvement in the implementation of the Convention, the training course was comprised of video presentations on various aspects of CWC implementation, including States Parties obligations, the functions and responsibilities of National Authorities, and best practices related to developing strong national relationships. Participants also had the opportunity to take part in a live question and answers session as well as a practical exercise on the new Electronic Declaration Information System (EDIS). The newly acquired knowledge of participants was also evaluated.
The course was attended by thirty-five representatives from sixteen Member States: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Background
General training courses assist States Parties with complying with their obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention by enhancing knowledge and skills in national implementation.
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.
Over 97% of all chemical weapon stockpiles declared by possessor States have been destroyed under OPCW verification. For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.