In cooperation with several member states to the Chemical Weapons Convention, including the Czech Republic, the OPCW commenced the 14th edition of its annual Associate Programme on 26 July 2013. The 9-week curriculum will run until 27 September. The participants represent 31 States Parties from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Launched in 2000, the project helps build the capacity of Member States in the peaceful uses of chemistry. It trains chemists and chemical engineers, and promotes a wider understanding of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and work of the OPCW. On completion of the 14th edition, the Associate Programme will have benefited a total of 329 participants from 108 developing and transitional economy Member States.
The project is divided into three parts, the first takes place at the OPCW premises, and consists of lectures and exercises aimed at the Chemical Weapons Convention as well as visits at specialised institutions. The participants also receive topics for their written report; the second part is focused at the field of Chemical engineering, Safety and Security of a Chemical production facility and it’s organizing. The third part is a three weeks long fellowship at a chemical industrial facility. Output is a written report focused at the area assigned to the participants at the OPCW and presentation of their reports at the OPCW participant’s meeting. As a result, the participants receive a course certificate from the OPCW.
The Czech Republic has actively participated in the project for the last three years. Chemical company DEZA, a.s. Valašské Meziříčí kindly agreed to be this year’s provider of the project for two course participants.
Associate Programme is today a major international training programme that contributes to the economic and technological development of Member Parties through the peaceful uses of chemistry, as stipulated by Article XI of the CWC.
