Experts discuss chemical safety, security at meeting in Doha, Qatar

At a meeting coordinated by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the National Committee for the Prohibition of Weapons (NCPW) of Qatar, experts discussed the latest trends in chemical safety, security, and nonproliferation initiatives.

The Fifth Seminar on Chemical and Safety and Security Management hosted 60 experts from 19 OPCW member states, including officials from various national authorities, the chemical industry, industry associations, policy-making bodies and academia.

Participants spoke on various efforts in chemical safety and security, such as risk management, threat reduction projects and how to assess vulnerabilities. A common theme throughout the seminar was the need to share information amongst key stakeholders and education in building strong chemical safety worldwide.

“Since its inception in 2012, the chemical safety and security program in Doha has evolved into a leading international forum that connects top experts in this field,” OPCW’s Senior International Cooperation Officer Rohan Perera said. “Strong cooperation between the OPCW and its member states brings us closer to achieving the OPCW’s wider goals of chemical disarmament, and promotion of peaceful uses of chemistry.”

OPCW represents the implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention, an agreement entered into force in 1997 and tasked with permanently and verifiably eliminating chemical weapons. Approximately 95 percent of all chemical weapons stockpiles declared by member states have been eliminated under OPCW verification.