ORGANISATION FOR THE PROHIBITION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS

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1 ORGANISATION FOR THE PROHIBITION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS Check against delivery ADDRESS BY AMBASSADOR AHMET ÜZÜMCÜ DIRECTOR GENERAL ORGANIZATION FOR THE PROHIBITION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS AT THE CLOSING SESSION OF THE ASSOCIATE PROGRAMME 2010 OPCW The Hague 30 September 2010

2 2 Excellencies, distinguished guests, participants in the Associate Programme, colleagues and friends. It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this ceremony marking the successful conclusion of the 11th edition of the Associate Programme. The Associate Programme initiated in the year 2000 for 12 participants, has today become one of our leading and most valued international cooperation programmes. As a result of its success, the programme has expanded and availability of places more than doubled. In all, at the conclusion of the 11 th edition, 229 participants from 90 States Parties have now been trained under the Associate Programme. 102 chemical companies in 16 Member States of Europe and Asia have enabled participants to benefit from the industry segment. 16 former participants have been recruited by the Technical Secretariat as inspectors. Associates who apply to the Technical Secretariat, particularly for technical positions in the Inspectorate, have a higher success rate. A large number of those trained are actively involved in the implementation of the Convention in their home countries. This is a matter of great satisfaction. The programme has made a significant contribution to the Convention s objectives as they relate to the economic and technological development of Member States. It has also facilitated capacity-building by imparting to qualified chemists and chemical engineers, the skills and exposure required to operate effectively and safely in a modern chemical industry environment. The programme has also facilitated the implementation of the industry-related provisions of the Convention as it seeks to

3 3 broaden the talent pool of those shouldering responsibilities in the National Authorities and other relevant institutions within Member States. This programme is unique because it is based on the concept of Integrated Chemicals Management, combining both the theoretical and practical training that we provide. It covers not only the various aspects of the Convention and the activities of the OPCW, but it also provides skills development in chemistry and chemical engineering in relevant areas. Hands-on industrial exposure at modern chemical plants, visits to specialised institutions, work on research projects, role plays, and group discussions are important facets of the training. The programme is spread over a ten-week period, and is indeed one of the most intensive and demanding activities organised by the OPCW in the area of international cooperation. An endeavour of this nature cannot succeed without the strong support of our Member States. I would like to express my gratitude to the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for consistently supporting the Associate Programme from its inception. Its National Authority has arranged many of the visits to specialised institutions in this country as well as identified companies for industrial attachment. The Governments of Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have also made voluntary contributions for the programme. This year, a representative from the German National Authority provided participants with valuable information pertaining to Germany s implementation of the Convention.. The Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain have assisted in arranging on-site industrial training

4 4 for the participants. Qatar has joined the list of sponsors with its offer of 4 placements for industrial training for 2010 Associates. The Technical Secretariat is extremely grateful to all these Member States for their valuable support. Ladies and gentlemen, The Chemical Weapons Convention is a multi-faceted disarmament treaty. It deals with aspects relating to the destruction of chemical weapons and chemical weapons production facilities, and with non-proliferation through verification of the industry. It addresses the need for assistance and protection against the use or threat of use of chemical weapons. Furthermore, it focuses on international cooperation in the field of peaceful use of chemistry and chemical technology. The Associate Programme not only underscores the benefits of joining the Convention, but it also contributes towards fullfilling the goals of the Convention. I would like to express my deep appreciation to the Permanent Representations, National Authorities, and the national chemical industry associations of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Qatar and Spain for their cooperation in linking up the various components of the programme. I would also like to acknowledge the strong support provided by the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) under their Responsible Care activities. Their involvement with the programme since its inception has assisted the Technical Secretariat in generating a favourable response from the chemical industry. Similarly, invaluable support has been provided by other institutions such as the European Chemicals Agency, the World Customs Organisation, the International Union of Pure

5 5 and Applied Chemistry, and the Dutch institutions of the Customs Authority, the Port of Rotterdam and the Technical University Library at Delft. I also wish to acknowledge the cooperation and support of the Committee on Chemistry Education of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), including those Scientific Advisory Board members who are participating in the IUPAC Committee. The participants had the opportunity to attend a lecture by Professor Alastair Hay, Professor of Environmental Toxicology at the School of Medicine, University of Leeds and member of the Committee, who also encouraged the participants to contribute to developing a comprehensive code of conduct for the peaceful uses of chemistry. As industry is a major partner in the implementation of the Convention, I am also happy to note that a special session was organised on the European Union initiative on the regulation and registration of chemicals, known as REACH. Recognising the important role of the chemical industry, it is only natural that new activities for promoting chemical-safety management should receive more attention in the activities organised by the OPCW s International Cooperation and Assistance Division. In this context, it may be noted that a workshop on Art XI will be held at the OPCW on November The international programmes in the ICA portfolio are being regularly reviewed to ensure that the CWC training needs for the Member States are duly incorporated and met. The Workshop will provide an important opportunity to receive feedback from the stakeholders including assessments of the benefits of the current programmes with a view to future improvements.

6 6 Finally, I would like to express my warmest congratulations to you, the Associates, who have made this programme such a great success. Despite the hectic schedule, and the heavy course work, you have more than fulfilled our expectations. Your commitment, willingness to learn and teamwork have been very impressive. Your group represents a unique mix of scientists, chemical engineers, and technological specialists primarily engaged in science and technology. Most did not have prior knowledge about the Convention. They are now better aware of the Convention s obligations and can contribute in their home countries to its effective implementation. Upon your return to your respective countries, your knowledge can be of great value to your National Authorities in the fulfilment of their Convention-related obligations. I am also confident that your exposure during the training to modern chemical industry practices a central theme of this programme will enable you to also contribute to the goals of economic and technological development in your countries. I wish you every success. Thank you.

ORGANISATION FOR THE PROHIBITION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS

ORGANISATION FOR THE PROHIBITION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS Check against delivery ADDRESS BY AMBASSADOR AHMET ÜZÜMCÜ DIRECTOR GENERAL ORGANISATION FOR THE PROHIBITION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS AT THE CLOSING SESSION