OPCW aligns with UN peace, security initiatives

Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) member states said they are working in concert with the United Nations (UN) to achieve international peace and security through economic and technological development.

OPCW officials said during the recently conducted third edition of the Forum on the Peaceful Uses of Chemistry, the membership identified activities to help achieve the United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative.

“The OPCW already supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals through its core activities to eliminate the global stocks of chemical warfare agents and to promote the peaceful uses of chemistry,” H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, OPCW’s director-general, said. “Synergies can be found between the OPCW’s work to implement the Chemical Weapons Convention and the SDGs.”

Attendees participated in panel discussions on a range of topics, including an overview of the SDGs; peaceful application of chemistry; chemical safety, security, and sustainability; gender mainstreaming; and building institutional synergies to promote international cooperation on SDGs.

Over 96 percent of all chemical weapon stockpiles declared by possessor States have been destroyed under OPCW verification. For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the organization received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.

The meeting convened over 30 professionals, including chemists, chemical engineers, academics, as well as government and industry officials.