 |
About the OPCW The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is the implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC or Convention). The OPCW is given the mandate to achieve the object and purpose of the Convention, to ensure the implementation of its provisions, including those for international verification of compliance with it, and to provide a forum for consultation and cooperation among States Parties. Friday, 11 December 2009 was the opening of the 14th Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons ConventionA total of 122 of the 188 States Parties to the CWC attended, together with 2 signatory States, 8 IGOs, and 30 NGOs and chemical industry associations.The 14th Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) ended on Friday, 4 December 2009 and adopted its final report by consensus. A total of 122 of the 188 States Parties to the CWC attended the Conference together with two signatory States, Israel and Myanmar, which participated as observers. The Conference also attracted eight international organisations, specialised agencies and other international bodies, as well as 30 NGOs and chemical industry associations. The Conference was chaired by H.E. Ambassador Vaidotas Verba, Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the OPCW. New Chemical Weapons NGO Convention Coalition
From left: Ms Angela Woodward (VERTIC), Ambassador Vaidotas Verba of Lithuania (Chairman of CSP-14), Director-General Rogelio Pfirter, Dr Paul Walker (Global Green USA), and Prof. Ferruccio Trifirò (Academy of Science, Bologna), at the NGO coalition luncheon. On the sidelines of this year’s Conference, Global Green USA convened a special 2-day meeting of more than 30 NGOs from around the world which culminated with the establishment of a new “Chemical Weapons Convention Coalition” to supplement the efforts of the States Parties in ensuring the full implementation of the CWC. The meeting participants discussed and agreed a charter for the coalition stipulating its main goals, objectives, activities, structure and operational modalities. Global Green USA will serve as the coalition’s initial Coordination Hub and five NGO representatives, including the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute were selected on a regional basis and will comprise its Advisory Committee.
A selection of the delegates from 22 countries around the world who participated in the NGO Coalition meeting during CSP-14.
For further information, please contact Michael Luhan, Head, OPCW Media & Public Affairs. ORGANISATION FOR THE PROHIBITION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS
|
