ICCSS actively participates in the OPCW global efforts to get rid of chemical weapons

ICCSS contributed significantly to the 28th Conference of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) held in The Hague from November 27, 2023. This was the first major meeting of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) following the destruction of declared chemical weapons. ICCSS President Amb. Krzysztof Paturej and ICCSS Delegation held key discussions and showcased ICCSS's relevant programs, including the EU-CHEM-REACT program for training inspectors and first responders, efforts to enhance CBRN civil protection in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, assistance to Ukraine and Moldova, and cybersecurity efforts.

ICCSS Delegation, led by its President, Ambassador Krzysztof Paturej, was engaged in numerous bilateral meetings with senior officials and delegates, OPCW Director-General and Technical Secretariat, and representatives from civil society, academia, and industry. It presented ICCSS's latest program activities, which closely align with the OPCW's mission. Among these was the EU-CHEM-REACT program, and the Middel East Chemical Safety and Security program, designed to enable, inter alia, the OPCW Technical Secretariat and National Authorities to train inspectors and first responders for CBRN emergencies. These programs are a key component in enhancing civil protection preparedness and response capabilities against CBRN threats.

 

Additionally, ICCSS showcased its efforts in bolstering CBRN civil protection in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The Middle East Chemical Security program, led by ICCSS, offers extensive training in a 'train the trainers' format. This initiative is crucial for implementing CWC provisions at the grassroots level, particularly in high-risk areas involving the storage and transportation of chemicals.

 

In response to the emerging threat of cyber attacks on the chemical industry, ICCSS introduced a new program focused on industrial cybersecurity and reliability. This program aims to provide National Authorities with access to modern competencies and training, enhancing the resilience of chemical industries against cyber threats. ICCSS also submitted a working paper detailing the development of this program, which is a significant step towards strengthening national capabilities in cyber defense within the chemical sector.

 

Moreover, ICCSS's president advocated for expanding OPCW's role to encompass broader chemical and biological threats. This vision was articulated in his recent publication: Preserving the Future of Chemical Weapons Prohibition Through Collaboration. A Roadmap for Success at the Chemical Weapons Convention 5th Review Conference and beyond (https://www.iccss.eu/news-and-events/news-detail/iccss-campaign-to-preserve-future-of-chemical-weapons-prohibition-through-collaboration-initiated-at-5th-opcw-review-conference).  The publication outlines a roadmap for successful collaboration and progress within the framework of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

 

An important focus of ICCSS during the conference was promoting an integrated approach to addressing the issue of sea-dumped chemical weapons. ICCSS argues for shifting the discussion from disarmament and security to encompass wider economic, environmental, safety, legal, health, and social aspects. This approach contained in the ICCSS issued publication: From Talk to Walk on sea-dumped Chemical Weapons, Munitions and Wreckages; ICCSS vision on disposal of sea-dumped chemical weapons and munitions, https://www.iccss.eu/news-and-events/news-detail/from-walk-to-talk-on-sea-dumped-chemical-weapons-iccss-integrates-efforts-to-remove-chemical-weapons-from-baltic-sea  encourages multi-disciplinary cooperation among international partners, governments, organizations, academia, industries, and civil society. In line with this, ICCSS is initiating the development of an international reference center in Gdansk, dedicated to the issue of sea-dumped chemical weapons.

 

ICCSS's longstanding cooperation with OPCW stems from its foundation by former OPCW senior staff and inspectors. The organization has consistently participated in OPCW's work, demonstrating its commitment to integrated chemical safety and security since its first major conference in 2012. ICCSS's ongoing involvement and contributions reaffirm its status as a leader in the development of a global framework for chemical and environmental safety and security, maintaining strong relationships with various stakeholders in the field.