The international Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) recently helped Qatari first responders plan and prepare chemical emergency response for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The assistance was provided at the first International Workshop on Chemical Emergency Planning and Preparedness for Major Events last week.
Founded in 1997, OPCW has 193 member nations with the goal of permanently eliminating chemical weapons worldwide.
The workshop was attended by 40 representatives from customs officials involved in the preparation of emergency response teams for the World Cup, industry, civil defense, police, the Qatari military, and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
An additional 21 experts also attended from nations that have hosted major international sporting events or plan to.
During the workshop, stakeholders shared their experiences in regards to technical preparation for major events, procedures, monitoring, training, and interagency coordination and cooperation.
Participants developed a set of custom-made chemical emergency responses to ensure public safety and security and conducted a threat-and-risk assessment of a major soccer stadium.
The workshop was hosted and funded by the Qatari government. It was co-organized by the National Committee for the Prohibition of Weapons of the State of Qatar and by OPCW Technical Secretariat.