ASSER Institute – Centre for International & European Law / Final Call for Registration
The ASSER Institute, in collaboration with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), is offering a specialized training programme on disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, scheduled from 30 September to 4 October 2024 in The Hague.
This programme is specifically tailored for diplomats, providing a unique opportunity for embassy staff in The Hague to deepen their understanding of contemporary disarmament and non-proliferation issues while expanding their professional networks.
The global threat posed by nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons has become increasingly pressing. International treaties, such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), are vital components in the global effort to mitigate these dangers.
A key partner in this training programme is the OPCW, the body responsible for implementing the CWC. Through the OPCW’s efforts and the commitment of its 193 State Parties, nearly 98% of the world’s population is now protected by the CWC, and 99% of declared chemical weapons stockpiles have been verifiably destroyed.
Other significant contributors to global peace and security include the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), established under the NPT, which plays a critical role in maintaining nuclear safety, particularly in conflict zones. The IAEA has deployed safety and security experts to every Ukrainian nuclear site, including the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, which is currently on the front lines of the war. As the need for expertise in legal, technical, and policy aspects of disarmament and non-proliferation grows, this programme offers an essential foundation for professionals in the field.
Participants of the programme, including those involved in treaty implementation and national authorities, have consistently praised the experience:
“As a participant in this training programme, I connected with diplomats, experts, and practitioners from around the world. I expanded my network, built new relationships, and gained access to the latest research and insights, helping me stay abreast of key issues and trends in my field.” — Embassy staff alumna, 2022
Beyond the extensive knowledge provided, the programme offers valuable opportunities for interaction with senior officials and fellow participants, facilitating unique networking opportunities with key figures in disarmament in The Hague and beyond. High-level speakers include the Deputy Director-General of the OPCW, senior officials from the IAEA, the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Annual Training Programme on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction The Hague, The Netherlands
30 September – 4 October, 2024
Asser Instituut – R.J. Schimmelpennincklaan 20-22, 2517 JN Den Haag, Netherlands
For more information and to register, please visit our website. Should you require additional details, feel free to contact the ASSER education team at educationtraining@asser.nl.
