Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Dear friends,
It gives me great pleasure to deliver the closing remarks for this briefing.
I wish to thank you all for taking time from your busy schedules to join us here today.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to the speakers for sharing their expert knowledge and insights during each session.
It is our hope that these presentations have prepared you for the upcoming Twenty-Ninth Session of the Conference of the States Parties.
On a deeper level, today has also provided an opportunity for you to engage directly with senior officials of the OPCW Secretariat.
We value the chance to foster this dialogue.
*****
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Throughout this briefing, we have explored key areas of the OPCW’s work.
We are grateful for Ambassador Teran Parral’s comprehensive overview of the Executive Council’s activities this year in promoting the effective implementation of and compliance with the Convention.
As the Director-General underscored in his opening remarks, the recent use and threats of use of chemical weapons illustrate the ongoing need for vigilance and preventive measures.
These threats serve as a reminder that the challenges we face regarding these awful weapons are still with us despite the transition to the post-stockpile destruction era.
We also highlighted our international cooperation and assistance activities, which are designed to build capacity and provide technical support for all our Member States.
These programmes not only strengthen your ability to respond to chemical threats but also enhance mutual trust and a collaborative spirit across regions.
In this regard, the Centre for Chemistry and Technology has become a high-quality platform to conduct research, analysis, and training, and to deliver a wide range of capacity-building programmes.
As mentioned, since it became operational, the Secretariat has already conducted many courses and workshops for experts from the Organisation and its Member States at the Centre.
You also heard about progress within the latest phase of the OPCW’s Africa Programme.
This important longstanding initiative underscores our commitment to tailored and inclusive support that meets the specific needs of our African States Parties.
Lastly, we provided you with information on our staff recruitment initiatives.
The strength of the OPCW lies in our dedicated personnel.
Our efforts to attract skilled and committed individuals are crucial to maintaining the independence, integrity, and professionalism of the work we do.
I invite everyone here today to promote the OPCW within your networks and to encourage qualified and diverse candidates to apply.
*****
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
The information shared with you is not only important for your preparations for the upcoming Conference, but it also assists with your long-term engagement with the Organisation.
Even though the challenges discussed today may be complex, they can be addressed effectively through the collaboration of the Member States.
But, as I have noted, vigilance must remain at the forefront.
The threats we face continue to evolve, and so must our approaches.
This is the basis for our endeavours to address the rapid advancements in emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.
The OPCW’s commitment to adapting to these challenges and responding effectively to the persistent threat of chemical weapons is unwavering.
Your role as delegates of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention is crucial in reinforcing the global norm against the use of these weapons of mass destruction.
I thank you once again for joining us for this briefing and for your steadfast dedication to the OPCW and to furthering the implementation of the Convention.
All staff members present here today look forward to meeting you during lunch, where we will have a chance to continue our discussions.
Before closing, I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate our appreciation for the attendance of the Ambassador of South Sudan at the briefing today. We hope to welcome South Sudan as a State Party at an early stage.
I thank you for your kind attention.