Director-General,
Chairperson of the Executive Council, Ambassador Thomas Schieb
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Dear Colleagues,
It is my great pleasure to deliver the closing remarks for this briefing to Permanent Representations based outside The Hague.
I wish to thank all of you for taking the time to join us here today, and for your thoughtful questions.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to the speakers for sharing their expertise.
We hope that this briefing has prepared you for the upcoming Thirtieth Session of the Conference of the States Parties.
We also hope that you have found this a valuable opportunity to engage with senior officials from the OPCW Technical Secretariat, and to strengthen your relations with our Organisation.
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Throughout this briefing, we have explored key areas of the work of the OPCW.
The Director-General has given you a comprehensive overview of the most important issues the Secretariat has been dealing with in 2025.
We are grateful for Ambassador Thomas Schieb’s overview of the activities of the Executive Council this year, which provided additional context for the issues on the agenda of the CSP.
The discussion on the recent use and threats of use of chemical weapons highlighted the complexity of the geopolitical situation we are facing.
These threats serve as a reminder that continued commitment and collective action are vital to sustaining the global norm against chemical weapons.
You also heard about our international cooperation and assistance activities, including those delivered as part of our Africa programme.
The breadth and volume of our capacity building and technical support activities illustrate our commitment to assisting States Parties in their implementation of the Convention.
The ongoing success and achievements of the Africa Programme demonstrate the importance we attach to ensuring that our initiatives are fully inclusive, and tailored to meet the needs of the African region.
You also heard today about our staff recruitment processes.
A strong, competent and diverse workforce within the Technical Secretariat is crucial to ensuring that we can deliver on our mandate efficiently and effectively, with integrity and professionalism.
I encourage you all to promote the OPCW within your networks, and help us to bring diverse and qualified individuals into the Secretariat.
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
The briefing you received today is not only important for your preparations for the upcoming Conference, but it also reinforces your ongoing engagement with the Organisation.
As the Director-General said, our Organisation is facing a number of challenges, and the complexity of the threats we must address is growing.
Your presence here today is evidence of your country’s desire to support the work of the OPCW, and the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Our commitment to our mission is steadfast, and we know we can rely on you, and on all States Parties, to work with us.
We believe that with collaboration, and strong collective action, we can respond to the challenges ahead.
The Secretariat is available to offer the assistance you require as delegates, and we look forward to continuing a constructive dialogue with you.
Please do not hesitate to reach out — we are here to help.
I thank you once again for joining us for this briefing, and for your dedication to the OPCW and to furthering the implementation of the Convention.
I thank you for your kind attention.