The EU Non-Proliferation Consortium

February 2021 Introductory Course on the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction
2021-02-22 - 2021-02-26
From 22 to 26 February 2021, the VCDNP held its first intensive introductory course on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) for students of biological and chemical sciences. The course, conducted in an online format, brought together 29 students affiliated with eight European universities as well as universities in Nigeria, the Philippines, and Russia. Women made up 59 percent of the participants.

The course covered a broad range of topics and was designed to provide an overview of the basics of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons and their proliferation, existing control regimes, and potential impact of new and emerging technologies on WMD threats.
Students learned about various elements of the international WMD disarmament and non-proliferation regimes, including the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC), the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), as well as strategic trade controls. Course sessions also provided an in-depth look at the advances in life sciences and their implications for chemical and biological weapon threats. The programme included case studies on biosecurity and ethics, nuclear proliferation challenges, and investigation of chemical weapons use and dismantlement of a chemical weapons arsenal.
VCDNP Senior Fellow Angela Kane participating in the session dedicated to a case study on Syria’s chemical weapons program.
A panel discussion on new and emerging technologies featuring Dr. Filippa Lentzos (King’s College London), Dr. Ulrich Kühn (IFSH), and Dr. James Revill (UNIDIR) allowed for a candid exchange of opinions concerning the threats and opportunities these technologies present for mitigating WMD risks.
Filippa Lentzos (King’s College London), Ulrich Kühn (IFSH), and Dr. James Revill (UNIDIR) discussion new and emerging technologies and WMD threats.
Experts and senior officials from international organisations and academic institutions that presented at the course included Dr. Sibylle Bauer (SIPRI), Daniel Feakes (BWC Implementation Support Unit), Dr. Mirko Himmel (University of Hamburg), Dr. Peter Hotchkiss (OPCW), Dr. Ulrich Kühn (IFSH), Dr. Filippa Lentzos (King’s College London), Dr. James Revill (UNIDIR), Dr. Clarissa Rios Rojas (Cambridge University), Shruti Sharma (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, India), and Jerry Smith (CHC Global, former OPCW Team Leader). The VCDNP lecturers included Angela Kane, Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova, and Elena Sokova. Women made up 54 percent of the lecturers.
Dr. Sibylle Bauer and Dr. Mirko Himmel give an overview of Strategic Trade Controls.

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At the end of the course, the participants completed a questionnaire, which gave them an opportunity to assess various aspects of the short course and anonymously provide feedback. Overall, the participants rated the course as an excellent contribution to their knowledge and understanding of issues related to WMD proliferation risks. Below are some of the comments provided by participants (quoted as written):
It introduced me to the world of non-proliferation and how important it is for our world. It also helped me understand all the mechanism[s] that are necessary to implement the controls and the tough job behind all of this.
***
As an undergraduate student, it is very rare that we are taught about the ethical side of what we are doing. Recently there have been some improvements in teaching about sustainability concerns, but this course has been basically the only formal education on security threats that our research may pose. I would say that I have learned a lot on the matter, and that I now have a base and some pointers to continue my education in this topic.
***
This course offered me a complete picture of all weapons of mass destruction but also of possible future risks. Amazing speakers and wonderful presentation of all key points.
***
Thank you for having this course for students with science background. This course will greatly help us understand that there is more that science can offer in terms of international peace, security and stability.
The VCDNP extends its gratitude to the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium for their generous support that made this course possible. The course was funded by the European Union through the EUNPDC pursuant to the EU Council Decision 2018/299.

Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme Launch Event
2021-04-12 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris)
Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme Launch Event
On 12 April 2021, the International Affairs Institute (IAI) and the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP), as part of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI), held the first meeting of the recently established Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (YWNPD) Mentorship Programme.
The YWNPD mentorship programme, which is organized in the framework of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC), pairs 19 young women (mentees), carefully chosen through a highly-competitive selection process, with well-established experts (mentors) to engage in a mentoring relationship that envisions, among other things, regular video-conferencing sessions. Mentees are also expected to attend conferences, seminars, social events, and other activities to be exposed to networking and career opportunities.
Open Nuclear Network Director Laura Rockwood gives her keynote address.
The launch event was opened by VCDNP Executive Director Elena Sokova and EUNPDC Chair Sibylle Bauer. Afterwards organisers laid out expectations for the programme and a round of introductions followed. The launch event concluded with a keynote address by Laura Rockwood, Director of the Open Nuclear Network and member of the YWNGI Advisory Board. Ms. Rockwood provided participants with an overview of her career in the field and tips for how to succeed. She shared stories and anecdotes from her experience, in particular her work at the International Atomic Energy Agency, where she served 28 years in the Department of Safeguards and was the principal author of the document that became the Model Additional Protocol. She also provided valuable insights and recommendations on how to thrive in the field, highlighting that sometimes the best career path is not the most direct nor the one you thought you would take. In her experience, Ms. Rockwood noted that active listening, strong writing skills and learning how to structure your thoughts and arguments, have proved valuable.
Aside from mentors and mentees, the event was attended by members of the EUNPD Consortium, of the YWNGI Advisory Board, and by representatives from the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI).
Read the event agenda

EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Next Generation Follow-Up Meeting
2021-04-13 15:00 - 18:00
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, there are currently few opportunities for the next generation to meet around the world and think together about the great challenges of our times. With these words, Elena Sokova, Executive Director of the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP), opened the 2021 EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Next Generation Follow-Up Meeting.
The event – jointly organized by the VCDNP and the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) within the framework of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium – follows the Next Generation Workshop on non-proliferation and disarmament, an initiative held annually that brings together outstanding young scholars, students and professionals to present fresh ideas and solutions to current non-proliferation and disarmament challenges.
As stressed by Ettore Greco, Executive Vice President of IAI, it is essential to substantially involve the younger generation on these issues in order to not only identify gaps and barriers in the existing policies, but also to let fresh ideas and new perspectives help to promote innovative forms of cooperation in an era of daunting challenges for multilateralism. Under the same auspices, the Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme was launched during the same week.
The meeting was attended by more than 120 participants, including women and girls from all over the world and with the most diverse backgrounds. The event was organised in two tracks. The first track was highly informative, during which two prominent experts addressed respectively biosecurity challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the most current cybersecurity concerns in relation to non-proliferation. The second track of the event was dedicated to networking. Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has left many young individuals isolated and detached from ongoing activities and has severely limited academic exchanges and training opportunities, the goal of the second track was to provide a framework for young people to meet, exchange ideas and promote their work.
VIEW THE MEETING AGENDA
The Impact of COVID-19 and other Bio-Security Challenges
The first topic was addressed by Dr. Filippa Lentzos, Senior Research Fellow at the King’s College London. As pointed by Federica Dall’Arche, Researcher at IAI and moderator of the panel, the topic was particularly timely due to recent discussions on the origin of the virus. In order to reach an assessment of the health and societal impacts caused by COVID-19, Dr. Lentzos walked the participants through an accurate and anguished timeline of the pandemic stressing, in particular, the evolution of the Chinese government’s narrative on the spread of the virus, the role of the World Health Organization and the progressive recognition of the modalities of human-to-human transmission. As the pandemic escalated, however, many questions remain unanswered, according to Dr. Lentzos. The direct impact of the virus on health is still poorly understood and the extent of the indirect and long-term consequences will only fully emerge with time. The enormous socioeconomic effects of the virus, however, are already clear. Dr. Lentzos noted how the virus led to the disappearance of 225 million full-time jobs around the world and has exacerbated long-standing economic, racial and gender divides. Women, in particular, are paying the highest price, comprising 70% of global health and social care personnel. In addition to the consequently increased exposure to risk, women are also victims of what UN Women has called “the shadow pandemic,” i.e. a worrying increase in gender-based violence and domestic violence.

The effects of the pandemic still remain at least partially unknown, and this is even more true for its origin. As essential as it is to reconstruct a clear picture of what happened to reduce the risk of the introduction of new viruses to the human population, we still know little about the time, place and causes that led to the break out of COVID-19. “What should have been a routine science question,” Dr. Lentzos argued, “has instead become extremely politically charged.” In early April 2021, a WHO-China Joint Mission on COVID-19 released a study listing four different possibilities on the origins of the outbreak of the pandemic. The first hypothesis listed is that the virus jumped from an animal directly to a human; the second, that the virus jumped from an animal to an intermediate host and then to a human; the third hypothesis is that the virus was imported to China via frozen food; the last hypothesis is that it spread because of a lab leak. While, according to the report, the second theory seems to be the most likely, the joint nature of the report raises significant doubts on its mandate and independence. The lack of adequately grounded evidence to favour one hypothesis over another is also a cause of particular concern, according to Dr. Lentzos. Yet, understanding the origin of COVID-19 would be essential to strategise on how to prepare for future pandemics.
Dr. Lentzos concluded her remarks noting that biological threats are not limited to the current pandemic. Among other risks, she included: the potential accidents in biosafety laboratories, noting that many laboratories are currently under-monitored and under-regulated; deliberate biothreats caused by a growing technical capacity to modify pathogen and transfer them to the human body; and biological information warfare possibly targeting specific individuals or groups. Remarkably, the effects of biological information warfare are substantially indifferent from those of real, internationally prohibited biological warfare. This makes disarmament efforts particularly difficult.
Cyber Security and Implications for Non-Proliferation
The relevance of cyber security, as reminded by Mara Zarka, Project/Events Manager and Research Associate at the VCDNP and moderator of the second panel, has recently been brought into the spotlight because of the alleged cyberattack to the Natanz nuclear plant in Iran. Although cybersecurity has been on the policymaking eye for over a decade, these events show that the answers we have come up with still remain largely unsatisfactory. According to Dr. Alexi Drew, Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Policy Institute at King’s College London, “most of the cyber issues that we see in international security arise out of a lingering series of misperceptions about what cyber security actually is, and who does it.” The actors involved are indeed changing rapidly with drastic consequences within the arms control arena. What was traditionally negotiated between States and within international institutions, is now addressed in far more complex negations because of the growing role of the so-called cyber emerging technologies. As a consequence, continued Dr. Drew, today private industries are the new predominant group of actors shaping the cybersecurity field, with a variable role left to the States. Remarkably, both private actors and States are increasingly aware of the new balance of power and of who can really set the standards. Cutting-edge technology is no longer directed solely by States’ interests, with enormous consequences on international governance dynamics. In fact, according to Dr. Drew, while technology might seem neutral and apolitical, it is the result of ethical and political choices. The kind of decisions now happening are about the importance of privacy in next generation technologies and algorithms, or about how domestic and international standards should be set. And these standards are increasingly set by private actors.

Another crucial and often underestimated aspect of cyber security has to do with supply chains that contribute to creating broader attack surfaces, linking private and public digital infrastructures. However, as Dr. Drew explained, not everything that takes place in the cyber space can or should be considered as a form of warfare. In the large majority of cases, it is about cyber espionage, never intended to cause physical damage. This difference is widespread and yet difficult to explain, since it is incidents such as the one that happened at the Natanz nuclear plant – actually intended to cause physical damage – that make the headlines. The consequent general failure in grasping these nuances between espionage and attacks remains one of the main barriers to effective policymaking on cybersecurity. The key of the instability risk that should be addressed by cybersecurity is indeed the possibility of escalation due to lack of knowledge, resulting from a deliberate policy on the side of both States and institutions involved in a cyber event. For instance, NATO members have never defined the standard beyond which a cyber incident can be considered a full-fledged attack, thus expanding the deterrent potential. However, this makes it hard to establish where the line is and represents a critical risk of escalation or “splash effect.” Dr. Drew concluded her remarks noting that cyber capabilities are rapidly proliferating, both in terms of defence and attack capabilities.
Networking session
During this session, participants were divided in groups and provided with ice-breaking questions.
The discussion in the different groups covered both the main pressing challenges to non-proliferation and disarmament as well as ways in which the EUNPDC and its members could do to better engage the next generation and young women in the field.
READ TAKEAWAYS FROM THE NETWORKING SESSION

The European Union’s Role in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament and Its Engagement with Academia and The Younger Generation
2021-04-29
On 29 April 2021, as part of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI), the VCDNP and the International Affairs Institute (IAI) in Rome, Italy, with the support of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC), organized the second public outreach event focused on the EU and its policies on non-proliferation and disarmament, as well as its engagement with academia and the younger generation. The panellists included former High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice‑President of the European Commission, Rector of the College of Europe, Federica Mogherini, Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Ambassador Marjolijn van Deelen, and the EUNPDC Chair, Dr. Sibylle Bauer.

IAI’s Executive Vice President Ettore Greco provided welcome remarks and VCDNP’s Executive Director Elena Sokova moderated the session. Over 300 individuals attended the event, including many of the Young Women in Non‑Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme participants and other EUNPDC next generation conference and training course individuals. The high level of interest demonstrates the strong need for these discussions and opportunities to interact.
Ms. Federica Mogherini
Federica Mogherini shared her experience working as the former High Representative, highlighting the role her team played in 2015 in the final months of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) negotiations with Iran. Stressing that negotiations on the JCPOA are again taking place in Vienna, Austria, Rector Mogherini noted the crucial role of the EU in maintaining and monitoring the agreement, despite the US’s withdrawal in 2018. The EU had a unique role to play in the negotiations as it served as the facilitator and the depository for the text of the agreement. The EU also conducted a fair amount of detailed, technical work on the agreement to make sure nothing was left to interpretation, especially regarding sanctions related issues and nuclear commitments. The facilitator role provided the EU with the institutional basis to reach out to the other parties to the JCPOA after the US withdrew, to ensure that the agreement was preserved and monitored. According to Rector Mogherini, the EU has a role to play in non‑proliferation and disarmament, especially given Europe’s history and experience of devastation when arms control fell short, emphasizing that the EU should become champions in solidifying the international community’s reliability in arms control, non‑proliferation and disarmament infrastructures and regimes.
Ambassador Marjolijn van Deelen
Supporting arms control architecture and treaties, strengthening multilateral institutions, and supporting third countries in developing their arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament architecture is at the core of the EU’s non-proliferation and disarmament strategy. Ambassador Marjolijn van Deelen highlighted that the EU is committed to strengthening the international security environment and recognizes that it cannot tackle global challenges, like those posed by proliferation risks, alone. The EU has multiple institutions focused on non-proliferation and disarmament ranging from the EEAS, which serves as the EU’s diplomatic service, to the EU Commission which manages the EU’s policies on dual-use export controls and the EU Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence, to the Joint Research Centre focused on technical issues related to disarmament verification. Nuclear safeguards in the EU are implemented by EURATOM that also provides valuable expertise on international safeguards development to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and EEAS office. In international fora the EU is active in taking common positions in support of existing treaties, encouraging other States to accede to treaties they are not yet party to, and supporting institutions, like the IAEA and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, that support these treaties. The EU strongly believes in the powers of multilateral diplomacy to resolve problems peacefully and is devoted to ensuring the international system is fit for purpose. To do this, the EU works closely in partnership with other institutions and academia.
Dr. Sibylle Bauer
The European network of independent non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks, was established in 2010 with the full support of all EU Member States to contribute to independent research and education activities in non-proliferation and disarmament. Dr. Sibylle Bauer shared with the audience the make-up of the Network, comprised of over 100 members, and of the Consortium that coordinates its activities . Dr. Bauer also talked about the various activities, of which the YWNGI is included, that the Consortium implements with the support of the EU. Importantly, it was emphasized that the EUNPDC focuses on a wide range of issues in non-proliferation and disarmament, ranging from nuclear, to conventional, to biological, to outer space and emerging technologies. It was also stressed that the EUNPDC is not limited to institutions in EU Member States but also includes members from third countries outside the EU. For more information on the EUNPDC and its activities please consult the nonproliferation.eu website.
The prepared remarks were followed by a second round of questions seeking panellists’ advice for young women and the next generation interested in entering the field of arms control, non‑proliferation and disarmament. Rector Mogherini emphasized the importance of leading by example, noting that the EU delegation sometimes was only composed of women whereas their interlocuters were solely comprised of men. She also noted that to really address the imbalances in the field, it is important to start with academia and the curricula they encourage their students to follow. The panellists all agreed on a strong list of seven skills and qualities for both professional and personal growth presented by Dr. Sibylle Bauer:

Clear thinking and solid analysis;
Excellence;
Commitment;
Authenticity;
Integrity;
Empathy, in which active listening and really caring was stressed; and
Creative Problem Solving.

“What also is really important, I think, is to help others not just get a foot in the door but then to help them stay in the field and climb up.” – Sibylle Bauer
Adding to this list, other panellists emphasized the importance of working in teams, indicating that every role in a team is important and no one role should be perceived as any more or less significant.
“You need a mix of people that have different competences and when you put those together you can be much stronger.” – Marjolijn van Deelen
There was resounding agreement that passion and interest in what one is doing is the best guide to navigating one’s career. Also, the panellists encouraged participants to not be afraid to try new things and to be willing to go into depth on topics that may not fall within their educational background, whether it be more policy-oriented or technical.
“I think passion in what you are doing is the only thing that really counts.” – Federica Mogherini
Some highlights from the question-and-answer session include insights into the difficulties in forming a common position in the EU, noting the diversity of the group and the need for fierce, internal debates. Once a common position or statement has been agreed, it serves as an umbrella under which other like-minded countries can align themselves. All speakers stressed that given the divergent views within the EU, when a common position has been adopted, especially on controversial matters, it is a powerful statement that can offer hope to the larger international community and refocus energy on where agreement exists, and action can be taken.

Considering potential lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic to strengthen the BTWC (Part 1 - virtual)
2021-05-17
This expert seminar aims to consider and determine the key issues highlighted by the pandemic that could be relevant to the disarmament and non-proliferation scope of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC). The purpose is to explore the lessons that can be learned from this international public health crisis, and the response, that could have an impact on the Convention and help strengthen its implementation. The seminar will thus contribute to put into perspective questions that notably relate to national implementation and challenges to biosecurity stemming from advances in life sciences. Considering the scope of the Convention as well as the importance of developing interactions with other existing instruments, organisations and mechanisms, while respecting their respective mandates and avoiding duplication, it will also provide an opportunity to reconsider the reflections pertaining to the implementation of Article VII on emergency assistance in case of a violation of the Convention, and of Article X on cooperation and assistance.

Monday, 17 May 2021

10:00 – 10:15 Introduction and Welcoming Remarks

Elisande Nexon (Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique, France)
Mauri Pasanen (Disarmament, non-proliferation and arms export control, EEAS)

10:15 – 11:30 Session 1: Exploring the potential impact of the Covid-19 pandemic with regard to the implementation of the BTWC
Chair: Una Jakob (Peace Research Institute Frankfurt, Germany)
Speakers:

James Revill (United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, Switzerland) – Current and future main challenges and perspectives for the BWC stemming from the pandemic
Filippa Lentzos (Kings College London, United Kingdom) – Global health, research and dual use dilemma in the Covid-19 perspective
Gunnar Jeremias (Hamburg University, Germany) – Potential impact of the pandemic on the BWC national implementation
Tatyana Novossiolova (Centre for the Study of Democracy, Bulgaria) – Cross-sectorial awareness raising and education challenges and perspectives in life sciences

Discussion
11:30 – 11:45 Break
11:45 – 13:00 Session 2: Revisiting the prospects of cooperation for peaceful purposes and emergency assistance through the potential lessons of the pandemic
Chair: Elisande Nexon (Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique, France)
Speakers:

Jean Pascal Zanders (The Trench / FRS, France) – Exploring the issue of emergency assistance in the framework of the BWC (reconsidering the reflections carried out until the pandemic)
Alessandro Marcello (International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Italy) – Promoting capacity building through cooperation and assistance, the example of the ICGEB
Anne-Sophie Lequarré (Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, stability and Peace, European Commission) – The contribution of EU CBRN Centres of Excellence to the COVID-19 response
Antoine Flahault (Institute of Global Health, Switzerland) – Strengthening preparedness and response to international biological public health emergencies

Discussion
13h00 Conclusion

Daniel Feakes (BTWC Implementation Support Unit, UNODA, Geneva Branch)

Considering potential lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic to strengthen the BTWC (Part 2 – virtual)
2021-06-07
In view of the next Review Conference of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), this high-level part of the Ad hoc seminar aimed to consider and determine the key issues highlighted by the pandemic that could be relevant to the disarmament and non-proliferation scope of Convention. The purpose was to explore the lessons that can be learned from this international public health crisis and the response, and to discuss how they could have an impact on the BTWC and help strengthen its implementation.
This high-level event followed an expert workshop which took place on 17 May 2021. The expert workshop was designed so that its outputs could contribute to foster discussions at European level during this high-level session.
During the expert workshop, the seminar first sought to identify and discuss the potential repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic with regard to the implementation of the BTWC, with a focus on national implementation, biosecurity challenges, and the need to keep up with scientific and technical advances. Then, it provided an opportunity to reconsider the reflections pertaining to the implementation of Article VII on emergency assistance in case of a violation of the Convention, and of Article X on cooperation and assistance.
Through the seminar, participants highlighted anew the key challenges facing the BTWC, but also strongly stressed the need to build on the unique momentum created by the pandemic crisis to strengthen the BTWC at the next Review Conference (RevCon). As far as the intersection between the fields of security and health is concerned, they emphasised the need to avoid duplication and be careful to respect the mandates and scopes of existing instruments, organisations, and mechanisms.

14:00 – 14:05 Introduction and Welcoming Remarks

Elisande Nexon, Pharm.D, Senior Research Fellow, Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique, France

14:05 – 14:15 Introductory remarks (recorded)

H.E. Ambassador Marjolijn van Deelen, EU Special Envoy for Non-proliferation and Disarmament

14:15 – 14:30 Keynote speech
H.E. Dr. Cleopa K. Mailu, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations in Geneva and Chairperson of the BWC Meeting of States Parties
14:30 – 15:30 Session 1: Exploring the potential impact of the Covid-19 pandemic with regard to the implementation of the BTWC
Moderator: Dr. Sonia Drobysz, Programme Director for National Implementation, VERTIC, United Kingdom
Speakers:

Dr. Una Jakob, Research Associate, Peace Research Institute Frankfurt, Germany – Reporting from the expert workshop
Sigurd Schelstraete, Director of the Department of Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Belgium
Dr. Irmgard Adam, Policy officer, Permanent Representation of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva

Discussion
15:30 – 16:30 Session 2: Revisiting the prospects of cooperation for peaceful purposes and emergency assistance through the potential lessons of the pandemic
Moderator: Dr. Ralf Trapp, Independent consultant
Speakers:

Elisande Nexon, Pharm.D, Senior Research Fellow, Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique, France – Reporting from the expert workshop
H.E. Ambassador Gianfranco Incarnato, Permanent Representative of Italy to the Conference on Disarmament
H.E. Ambassador Yann Hwang, Permanent Representative of France to the Conference on Disarmament

Discussion
16:30 Conclusion

Perspectives on Arms control, Disarmament and Non-proliferation
2021-06-21 08:00 - 17:00
Jens Bartsch
Goethe University Frankfurt
Spring 2021
This seminar will introduce students to fundamental issues and enduring controversies of arms control, with a special focus on nuclear weapons as the paradigmatic case of arms control. It will explore cross connections between the development of arms control and International Relations theory as well as recent challenges posed by technological and political developments, including controversies over “nuclear justice” or the geopolitical implications of arms control negotiations. At the end of the seminar, students should have a solid base of knowledge about key arms control regimes, both historical and current, in addition to insights into the practical activities of arms control professionals and the debates surrounding arms control within IR.

Level: Undergraduate
Download Syllabus

Security in a Nuclear-Armed World
2021-06-21 08:00 - 17:00
Benoît Pelopidas and Kjølv Egeland
Sciences Po
Spring 2021
This course will introduce the main debates about nuclear weapons and their effects on international security. Every session will be devoted to a crucial problem of the ‘nuclear age’ which is still relevant to contemporary security policymaking. How do we know that something “is nuclear” or not? Is there a “nuclear revolution” and if so, what does it mean? How do nuclear weapons affect military strategy? How to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons? How can we explain the nuclear arms race? What is at stake in the debate about nuclear disarmament and the nuclear ban treaty? Why have nuclear weapons not been used in anger since 1945? What are the political implications of referring to “Weapons of Mass Destruction” (WMD)? These questions will be introduced through the study of concepts as well as historical events and their political operationalization.

Level: Postgraduate
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Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction
2021-06-21 08:00 - 17:00
Gregory D. Koblentz
George Mason University
Spring 2021
Since September 11, 2001, the United States has viewed terrorist acquisition and use of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) weapons as one of the gravest threats to national security. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the history of CBRN terrorism, the current challenges posed by this threat, and the range of national and international policy tools available to address this threat. The goal of the course is to familiarize students with the influence of strategy, technology, organization, psychology, ideology, and economics on the threat of CBRN terrorism and the strategies for managing this danger.

Level: Postgraduate
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Weapons of Mass Destruction
2021-06-21 08:00 - 17:00
Gregory D. Koblentz
George Mason University
Spring 2021
This course examines the threats posed by the proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, commonly known as weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and how these dangers can be managed. The course provides an in-depth understanding of the history and technology of each of these weapons, the current challenges posed by these weapons, and the range of national and international responses to these threats. The goal of the course is to familiarize students with the influence of strategy, technology, politics, organizations, and norms on the causes and consequences of the proliferation of WMD.

Level: Undergraduate
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Towards a Common Understanding of the Risks and Threats to Safety, Security and Sustainability in Outer Space (Part 1 – virtual)
2021-07-08
The Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique organised a virtual EUNPDC Ad hoc seminar on “Towards a Common Understanding of the risks and threats to safety, Security and sustainability in Outer Space”. The first session was held online on July 8th 2021 and the second part is to take place on October 13th 2021.
This ad-hoc seminar aimed at building a common understanding of the main risks and threats in outer space today, through exchanges of views and information between experts. This international perspective of the main security and safety issues in outer space, built within the 3SOS framework, will serve to provide political recommendations to officials across the geopolitical spectrum.
This webinar, held under the Chatham House rule, was designed so that its outputs could contribute to foster discussions at the European level. The first round table focused on the congestion of outer space and new activities in space, which induces challenges for short-term space operations and poses a significant risk to the long-term sustainability of the space environment, while some provide solutions to long-term problems. Three presentations by experts introduced each discussion session. The webinar brought together more than sixty participants including researchers, representatives from EU Member States, the EEAS and the European Commission.

13:00 – 13:10 Introduction and Welcoming Remarks
Xavier Pasco, Director, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS)
Carine Claeys, Special Envoy for Space and Head of SECDEFPOL.5 Space Division, European External Action Service, European Union (EU)
13:10 – 14:10 Session 1: Congestion of the outer space environment
The growing number of satellites and debris in the space environment induces challenges for short-term space operations and poses a significant risk to the long-term sustainability of the space environment.
Chair: Roxana Banu, Space Policy Officer, SECDEFPOL.5 Space Division, European External Action Service, European Union (EU)
Speakers:

Rajagopalan Rajeswari Pillai, Director of the Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology, Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
Hubert Foy, Director & Senior Research Scientist, African Center for Science and International Security (AFRICSIS)
Annette Froehlich, Honorary Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Town

14:10 – 14:25 Break
14:25 – 15:25 Session 2: New technologies and their impact on space safety and security
New technologies are developing at a rapid pace in the space environment. Some increase the risks in outer space (mega constellations, small satellites and ASAT) while some aim at reducing collision risks in outer space (Active Debris Removal solutions, Mega-constellation automated collision avoidance manoeuvres).
Chair: Paul Wohrer, Research Fellow, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS)
Speakers:

Almudena Azcárate Ortega, Associate Researcher, Weapons of Mass Destruction and Other Strategic Weapons, UNIDIR
Kazuto Suzuki, Professor, Tokyo University
Nivedita Raju, Associate Researcher, SIPRI

15:25 – 15:30 Concluding Remarks
Carine Claeys, Special Envoy for Space and Head of SECDEFPOL.5 Space Division, European External Action Service, European Union (EU)
Xavier Pasco, Director, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS)

Do You Aspire to Work at an International Organization? Tips and Insights for Young Professionals.
2021-09-06 00:00 - 23:59
The Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) cordially invites you to attend a virtual event for young professionals and students interested in working at and engaging with international organisations in Vienna, which will be held on Monday, 6 September 2021 from 15:00 to 16:30 Central European Summer Time (CEST) via Zoom. For those unable to access Zoom, the event will also be livestreamed to YouTube.
What skills and competencies do international organisations look for in the recruitment process? How can you best prepare yourself for a career as an international civil servant? How does the application process work and how best to prepare for an interview? What pathways exist to internships, training and capacity building programmes and other opportunities? Representatives from three international organisations in Vienna – the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Organization (CTBTO), and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) – will speak to these questions and more during this event.
The event will be held as a part of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, led by the VCDNP and the Istituto Affari Internazionali with the support of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.
Speakers:
Mr. Pedro Álvarez Cobacho, Recruitment Officer, IAEA
Ms. Maria Chepurina, External Relations Officer, CTBTO
Ms. Monika Ivic, Talent Acquisition Assistant, OSCE
The discussion will be moderated by Elena K. Sokova, Executive Director of the VCDNP and an International Gender Champion, Vienna Hub.
The opinions/views expressed by the speakers in the event do not necessarily reflect the opinions/views of the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation or its employees.

Registration and Questions
We kindly ask you to RSVP using the online registration form.
By registering for this event you acknowledge and agree to the VCDNP Responsible & Respectful Behavior Policy.

Tenth Consultative Meeting of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (hybrid format)
2021-09-16 - 2021-09-17
The 10th Consultative Meeting of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (EUNPD) Consortium was held in a hybrid format on 16 and 17 September 2021.
Organised by the Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS), the meeting addressed the challenges and opportunities pertaining to the upcoming NPT Review Conference, the situation in the Indo-Pacific, as well as the issue of new technologies and arms control in the plenary sessions. In addition, breakout sessions were organised on missiles in the Middle East, the security architecture in Europe and cyber issues.
The virtual format allowed more than 100 participants representing EU Member States, the EU, and research centres of the EUNPDC Network to take part.

Thursday, 16 September 2021
15:00: Opening of the virtual session
15:15 – 15:30
Welcome and introduction to the meeting
Amb. Marjolijn van Deelen, Special Envoy on Disarmament and Non-proliferation and Head of the EEAS Disarmament Non-proliferation and Arms Export Control Division
Benjamin Hautecouverture, Senior research fellow, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique
15:30 – 16:30
Towards the tenth NPT review conference
Chair: Sibylle Bauer, Director of Studies, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
Speakers:
– Maximillian Hoell, Policy fellow, European Leadership Network
– Amélie Delaroche, Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva
– Clara Portela, Research fellow, EUISS
16:30: Break
17:00-18:00
The EU, non-proliferation & disarmament in the Indo-Pacific
Chair: Benjamin Hautecouverture, Senior research fellow, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique
Speakers:
– David Pusztai, EEAS (TBC)
– Waheguru Pal Singh Sidhu (PhD), Associate Fellow, Geneva Centre for Security Policy

Friday, 17 Septembre 2021
09:00 – 10:00: Breakout sessions

10:00 – 10:30: Break
10:30 – 11:30
New technologies and arms control
Chair: Niklas Schörnig, Senior researcher, Peace Research Institute Frankfurt
Speakers:
– Lene L. Hove Rietveld, Policy Adviser, European External Action Service (on the Strategic EU Process on Responsible Military Use of New Technologies)
– Alisha Anand, research fellow, UNIDIR (TBC)
– Sitki Egeli, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Business, Political Science and International Relations, IZMIR Faculty of Economics

11:30 – 11:45
Concluding remarks
Benjamin Hautecouverture, Senior research fellow, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique
Amb. Marjolijn van Deelen, Special Envoy on Disarmament and Non-proliferation and Head of the EEAS Disarmament Non-proliferation and Arms Export Control Division

Nuclear Weapons and Word Politics
2021-09-21 08:00 - 17:00
Daniel Deudney
Johns Hopkins University
Fall 2021
This course examines the impact of nuclear weapons on international politics and world order. Topics to be considered include theories of deterrence, proliferation, the development of new weaponry, terrorism, defense, arms control and abolition. The effect of nuclear weapons on the existing state system and prospects for new configurations of world governance will also be addressed.

Level: Undergraduate
Download Syllabus

Readings in Cooperative Security,Arms Control, and Nonproliferation Policy
2021-09-21 08:00 - 17:00
Nancy Gallagher
University of Maryland
Fall 2021
The course first examines various ways of thinking about international security cooperation developed during and after the Cold War. The second part considers policy options to reduce different types of nuclear risks, including bilateral strategic instability, proliferation, terrorist access, and dual-use capabilities in countries like Iran. The third part focuses on emerging security challenges from the spread of powerful multi-use technologies and other dangerous processes, like civil conflict, climate change and global pandemics that need new forms of cooperation.

Level: Postgraduate
Download Syllabus

Nuclear Weapons: Politics and Proliferation
2021-09-21 08:00 - 17:00
Sharon Weiner
American University
Fall 2021
This course will help students understand the role of nuclear weapons in U.S. decisions about national security, including the politics of nuclear weapons decision making in the United States, the role of nuclear weapons more broadly in U.S. strategy, and explanations for why other countries pursue, develop, or forego nuclear weapons.

Level: Postgraduate
Download Syllabus

Deterring and Influencing Terrorism and WMD
2021-09-21 08:00 - 17:00
Jeff Knopf
Middlebury Institute of International
Studies at Monterey
Fall 2021
This seminar examines deterrence and other strategies for responding to security threats, with a focus on how those strategies might be adapted to deal with the dangers posed by terrorism and WMD proliferation. The course will survey existing research on deterrence and alternative policy tools such as coercive diplomacy, assurance, and positive incentives. It will introduce some of the latest thinking about whether these tools are useful for influencing actors away from support for terrorism or WMD acquisition or use.

Level: Postgraduate
Download Syllabus

Towards a Common Understanding of the Risks and Threats to Safety, Security and Sustainability in Outer Space
2021-10-13
The Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS) organised the second part of a virtual EUNPDC Ad hoc seminar on “Towards a common understanding of the risks and threats to safety, security and sustainability in outer space”.
This ad-hoc webinar aimed at building a common understanding of the main risks and threats in space today, through exchanges of views and information between experts. This webinar was designed so that its outputs could contribute to foster discussions at the European level. This international perspective of the main security and safety issues in outer space, built within the 3SOS framework, will serve to provide political recommendations to diplomatic actors across the geopolitical spectrum.
The first round table focused on threats on space security which were not addressed during the first webinar: cyber threats, electronic warfare and air and space integration. The second round table served to move the discussion forward towards a common understanding of risks and threats to safety, security and sustainability in outer space

Agenda

13:00 – 13:10 Introduction and key takeaways from the first seminar
Xavier Pasco, Director, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS)
Carine Claeys, Special Envoy for Space and Head of SECDEFPOL.5 Space Division, European External Action Service, European Union (EU)
13:10 – 14:10 Session 1: Threats to space security
Increased activities in space and new technologies create emerging threats to human activities in space and on the ground. The previous seminar already addressed threats linked to large constellations, militarisation of outer space and servicing activities. This second seminar will focus on emerging threats, including but not limited to cyber-attacks, electronic warfare, launch and re-entry risks, or near-space activities such as space tourism and HAPS.
Chair: Jana Robinson, Managing Director, Prague Security Studies Institute (PSSI)
Speakers:

Beyza Unal, Deputy Director, International Security Department, Chatham House
Ajey Lele, Senior Fellow at Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses
Tal Inbar, Former Head of the Space Research Center, Fisher Institute

14:10 – 14:25 Break
14:25 – 15:25 Session 2: Towards a common understanding of risks and threats
Both seminars have addressed new risks and threats in outer space, related to civilian and military activities. This concluding session will serve to take stock of progress made since the start of the first ad-hoc webinar with regards to reaching a common understanding of risks and threats in outer space, and help envision future common solutions.
Chair: Paul Wohrer, Research Fellow, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS)
Speakers:

Guoyu Wang, Dean of Academy of Air, Space Policy and Law, Beijing Institute of Technology
Setsuko Aoki, Professor of Law, Keio University Law School
Raja Qaiser Ahmed, Assistant Professor, School of Politics and International Relations, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad
Laura Grego, Stanton Nuclear Security Fellow, Laboratory for Nuclear Security and Policy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

15:25 – 15:30 Concluding Remarks
Carine Claeys, Special Envoy for Space and Head of SECDEFPOL.5 Space Division, European External Action Service, European Union (EU)
Xavier Pasco, Director, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS)

Tenth EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Conference
2021-12-06 13:00 - 2021-12-07 17:00
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Space Security
2021-12-15 08:00 - 2022-03-15 08:00
Charles University Prague/ Bohumil Doboš
Winter 2021/22

This course aims to introduce students to the field of Space Security, covering the secure access to space, operations in space, and space-related threats. The main topics are concentrated on counterspace activities; the dual-use nature of space systems; the indispensability of space services to terrestrial applications (both civil and military); challenges associated with space situational awareness; space debris; planetary defense; anti-satellite weapons and early warning systems in relation to the strategic stability on Earth; the geopolitics of outer space; and new risk considerations related to the “New Space” phenomenon.
Download Syllabus

2021 Next Generation Workshop
2021-12-15 13:00 - 2021-12-16 16:00

Politics of Nuclear (Non-)Proliferation
2021-12-21 - 2022-02-20 | Charles University Prague
Michael Smetana
Charles University Prague
Winter 2021/2022
Politics of Nuclear (Non-)Proliferation is a course about the role of nuclear weapons in international
relations that should provide the students with a basic introduction into the world of arms control
diplomats, disarmament activists, nuclear experts, and scholars studying the causes and consequences of the
spread of nuclear weapons. The course is recommended for active students who enjoy interactive teaching
methods, challenging debates, and international security puzzles.

Level: Postgraduate
Download Syllabus

Young Women and Next Generation Initiative - Fourth Outreach Event
2022-03-31 15:00 - 16:15
The International Affairs Institute (IAI) and the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non Proliferation (VCDNP) will organize a virtual event entitled: “Working at International Organizations: Tips and Insights for the Next Generation – the BWC and the OPCW.”
The event will be held on Thursday, 31 March 2022 from 3:00 to 4:15 PM (CEST) via Zoom.
The webinar will feature introductory presentations by representatives from the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) of the Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention (BWC) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Speakers will share their personal experience in the field and provide insights and information, including how to enter and advance in a career in the non-proliferation and disarmament field with a focus on biological and chemical sciences. Following the experts’ remarks, the meeting will be open for questions and comments from the audience.
The event will be open to the general public and will be held as a part of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative, led by the VCDNP and the International Affairs Institute (IAI) in the framework and with the support of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (EUNPD) Consortium.
ACCESS THE AGENDA HERE
ACCESS THE REGISTRATION FORM HERE
The opinions/views expressed by the speakers in the event do not necessarily reflect the opinions/views of the International Affairs Institute nor the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation nor their employees.

Working at International Organisations: Tips and Insights for the Next Generation – the BWC and the OPCW
2022-03-31 15:00 - 16:15
On 31 March 2022, as part of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI), the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) and the International Affairs Institute (IAI) with the support of the EU Non‑Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium, organized the fourth YWNGI public outreach event. The event was dedicated to tips and insights for working at international organisations, and, in particular, those who oversee the prohibition of biological and chemical weapons. Previous events can be found here.
Aimed at both young professionals and students, especially young women, the webinar featured Daniel Feakes, Chief of the Implementation Support Unit of the Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention (BWC-ISU), and Elisabeth Waechter, Head of the Public Affairs Branch of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
The event was opened with welcome remarks by IAI Executive Vice PresidentEttore Greco and moderated by VCDNP Senior Research Associate Federica Dall’Arche.

Daniel Feakes started his remarks with the hindsight of his own career path. Starting with an internship in academia focused on chemical and biological issues, he has now been working in the field for over 20 years. Feakes noted how a technical degree is not required in order to enter the field and that history, international relations, and regional studies students are all well equipped for a career in this field. Feakes then provided a brief overview of the Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention (BWC), highlighting its key functions such as sustaining the unequivocal norm against these weapons, creating the platform for a global dialogue, promoting peaceful uses of biological agents and toxins, and building transparency among States. He also provided an overview of the work of the ISU, which is based in the Geneva Branch of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).
Feakes noted that nowadays young people can find numerous professional and educational opportunities online, pointing specifically to the UNODA website, including information on the Youth4Disarmament initiative. He also highlighted the United Nations career opportunities for youth, which include internships, the Young Professionals Programme (YPP), and the Junior Professional Officer Programme (JPO).
Among other opportunities, Feakes mentioned several intended for young scientists including the 6th Annual Next Generation For Biosecurity Competition, IFBA Global Mentorship program, iGEM 2022 Grand Jamboree, Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity Fellowship, and Biosecurity Champions Fellowship.
He concluded his remarks by mentioning the Youth Declaration for Biosecurity that was developed by young scientists participating in the Second Edition of the Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop for Young Scientists from the Global South held in 2021. “Such opportunities can arise from networking and collective brain power, collective activism, dedication, and commitment.”

Elisabeth Waechter provided an overview of the OPCW and its work. Waechter noted that the OPCW is the implementing body of the legally binding Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which aims to eliminate chemical weapons in all aspects, including development, production, stockpiling, transfer and use. In 2013, the Organisation was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons. This was particularly timely given the OPCW’s active involvement in overseeing the elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons programme in the safest and most secure manner possible since the country’s accession to the CWC in 2013. She also explained the history, goals and mandate of the OPCW, highlighting that the Organisation also works on preventing the use of chemical weapons and potential responses to such use, and promotes peaceful uses of chemistry.
In reference to her career, Waechter defined herself as an experienced international civil servant having worked in numerous UN bodies, many of which were focused on disarmament. When speaking about her work within the OPCW, she highlighted that one of the key areas her Division is tasked with is the achievement of the CWC’s universality. In this regard, Waechter stressed the importance of communication in the disarmament field, especially since it does not always receive the attention it deserves:“There is a lot to do and learn in the area of science communication and communication around disarmament.”Waechter noted that the OPCW is always recruiting, therefore she encouraged the audience to explore the OPCW’s twitter, LinkedIn, and employment pages, highlighting the paid internship opportunities available in different sectors within the Organisation.

The discussion following the presentations covered a wide spectrum of topics, ranging from the most appropriate fields of study to ways to stand out, including the most useful skills and core competencies to acquire. Among the traditionally desirable skills like strong English language and knowledge of other languages, leadership, teamwork, intercultural communications, creativity, willingness to learn, and IT skills were also mentioned. “Anything that is related to social media, layout and design of publication and infographics – those additional skills certainly help people to stand out from the crowd.”
Speakers also provided information regarding the recruitment process and shared tips for solid applications and successful competency-based interviews. Both speakers encouraged applicants to be patient and to keep trying even when faced with numerous rejections. They stressed that it is a myth that you will not get hired if you do not know someone within the organisation or wider UN network, emphasizing: “If you do not apply you will not have a chance”.
The event concluded with both representatives sharing their personal motivation to work in the biological and chemical disarmament field. Waechter stressed that as an international servant for 17 years, she could not imagine doing any other work indicating that “what drives me is the realisation that what we do matters, that it is important.” Feakes agreed and added that both passion and motivation are needed in order to do this type of job, concluding that “the main purpose of what we are doing, preventing biological or chemical weapons from being developed and used, that is the kind of noble thing to be doing.”
The full recording of the outreach event can be found below:
https://youtu.be/GIupdeBfVGY
For more information:

Daniel Feakes can be contacted at daniel.feakes@un.org and his presentation is available for download here.
Elisabeth Waechter can be contacted at elisabeth.waechter@opcw.org and her presentation is available for download here.

Young Women and Next Generation Initiative in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme – 1st Edition Final Meeting
2022-04-28 08:00 - 17:00
Young Women and Next Generation Initiative in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme – 1st Edition Final Meeting
On 28-29 April 2022, as part of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI), the International Affairs Institute (IAI) and the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP), with the support of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium, organized the final meeting of the 1st edition of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme , an initiative aimed to pair successful candidates (mentees) with well-established experts (mentors) and engage in a mentoring relationship. During this last year, Mentees had the opportunity to attend relevant conferences and outreach events on non-proliferation, disarmament, arms control and related topics, including the EUNPDC Annual Conference and the Next Generation Workshop. Networking and career opportunities have been also facilitated through seminars, social events and other activities.
Previous events can be found here.
The event was divided into three thematic panels.
The first panel addressed current and emerging challenges and opportunities in arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. Moderated by Elena Sokova (VCDNP), it featured some of the Mentors of the programme, including: Sybille Bauer (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, SIPRI), Renata Hessmann (The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, UNIDIR), Filippa Lentzos (King’s College London), and Jenny Nielsen (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, CTBTO).
VCDNP Executive Director Elena Sokova with Sybille Bauer, Renata Hessmann, Filippa Lentzos and Jenny Nielsen
During the second panel, three Mentees of the programme, Intan Bedisa (International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development, INFID), Stella Blumfelde (University of Genoa) and Emily Faux (University of Leeds), presented on issues related to non-proliferation and disarmament, specifically: regional approaches to nuclear non-proliferation, cybersecurity and disinformation, and popular culture and nuclear politics respectively. The panel was co-moderated by Mara Zarka (VCDNP) and Manuel Herrera (IAI).
The second panel was co-moderated by Mara Zarka (VCDNP) and Manuel Herrera (IAI).
The last panel was devoted to a comprehensive evaluation of the programme with a view to receiving feedbacks and making improvements for future editions. The open discussion was moderated by Federica Dall’Arche (VCDNP).
Federica Dall’Arche moderating the last panel
The event was opened by IAI Director Nathalie Tocci, while closing remarks were delivered by Ettore Greco (IAI).
Read the concept note and event agenda
You can find Intan Bedisa’s presentation here.
You can find Stella Blumfelde’s presentation here.
You can find Emily Faux’s presentation here.
For more information, please visit the website of the initiative.

Young Women and Next Generation Initiative in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme – 1st Edition Final Meeting
2022-04-28 19:00 - 2022-04-29 18:00 | IAI Istituto Affari Internazionali, Via dei Montecatini, 17, Roma, 00186, Italy
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On 28-29 April 2022, as part of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI), the International Affairs Institute (IAI) and the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP), with the support of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium, organized the final meeting of the 1st edition of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme , an initiative aimed to pair successful candidates (mentees) with well-established experts (mentors) and engage in a mentoring relationship. During this last year, Mentees had the opportunity to attend relevant conferences and outreach events on non-proliferation, disarmament, arms control and related topics, including the EUNPDC Annual Conference and the Next Generation Workshop. Networking and career opportunities have been also facilitated through seminars, social events and other activities.

Previous events can be found here.

The event was divided into three thematic panels.
The first panel addressed current and emerging challenges and opportunities in arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. Moderated by Elena Sokova (VCDNP), it featured some of the Mentors of the programme, including: Sybille Bauer (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, SIPRI), Renata Hessmann (The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, UNIDIR), Filippa Lentzos (King’s College London), and Jenny Nielsen (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, CTBTO).

During the second panel, three Mentees of the programme, Intan Bedisa (International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development, INFID), Stella Blumfelde (University of Genoa) and Emily Faux (University of Leeds), presented on issues related to non-proliferation and disarmament, specifically: regional approaches to nuclear non-proliferation, cybersecurity and disinformation, and popular culture and nuclear politics respectively. The panel was co-moderated by Mara Zarka (VCDNP) and Manuel Herrera (IAI).

The last panel was devoted to a comprehensive evaluation of the programme with a view to receiving feedbacks and making improvements for future editions. The open discussion was moderated by Federica Dall’Arche (VCDNP).

The event was opened by IAI Director Nathalie Tocci, while closing remarks were delivered by Ettore Greco (IAI).

For more information, please visit the website of the initiative below:
https://nonproliferation.eu/activities/education-programmes/young-women-and-next-generation-initiative/

Non-Nuclear Weapons and Strategic Stability in Europe
2022-04-29 14:00 - 17:00
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Eleventh Consultative Meeting of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium
2022-09-14 - 2022-09-15
The 11th Consultative Meeting of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (EUNPD) Consortium was held on 14 and 15 September 2022.
Organised by the Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS), the meeting focused on the topicality of multilateral export control regimes.
A long-standing and important part of the global non-proliferation architecture, multilateral export control regimes are informal groups of states that agree to coordinate their export control policies and practices for military and/or dual-use goods and technologies in order to prevent the associated proliferation risks. In addition to the four main existing regimes (the Australia Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime, the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies), specific European mechanisms have been added over time. Thus, a EU regulation governs the export control regime of dual-use items. Additional restrictive measures (such as the sanctions imposed on Russia after the launch of its armed aggression against Ukraine, for example) have been or may be added to these mechanisms, whether voluntary or binding. All these measures play a direct role in the fight against proliferation, but also in disseminating norms and involving industrial and scientific stakeholders in the global security architecture.
This eleventh Consultative Meeting of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium was devoted to a critical review of existing regimes. In particular, addressed the question of their effectiveness, the issue of inter-regime coordination, the question of control of emerging technologies, and the particular case of European policy, including dual-use and the war in Ukraine.

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Launch of the 2022 Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme
2022-09-19 08:00 - 17:00
Launch of the 2022 Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme
On 19 September 2022, the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) and the International Affairs Institute (IAI), as part of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI), launched the 2nd edition of Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (YWNPD) Mentorship Programme.
The Mentorship Programme, established in 2021 and organized in the framework of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC), pairs 20 young women (mentees), carefully chosen through a highly competitive selection process, with well-established experts (mentors) to engage in a mentoring relationship that envisions, among other things, regular video or in-person meetings. Mentees are also expected to attend conferences, seminars, social events, and other activities, in order to be exposed to networking and career opportunities.
Participants of the Launch Event
The launch event was opened by the VCDNP Executive Director, Elena Sokova, the IAI Executive Vice-President, Ettore Greco, and the EUNPDC Chair, Sibylle Bauer who welcomed the new cohort and congratulated new mentees for having been selected among over 300 very strong applications.
VCDNP Executive Director, Elena Sokova, IAI Executive Vice-President, Ettore Greco, and EUNPDC Chair, Sibylle Bauer
Three former mentees – Akanshya Gurung, Emily Faux, and Virginia Bertuzzi – shared their personal experience during the previous edition of the programme.
Akanshya Gurung noted how the mentorship programme was valuable to her as it challenged the assumption that young women have no place in discussing nuclear weapons, arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament. She also shared how the programme helped her build a network of likeminded, passionate and motivated people, suggesting the new cohort not to look at the programme as just another item to put on their resumes but as a unique process for making connections and create opportunities.
Emily Faux noted that the mentorship programme, proved to be very useful for her Ph.D. studies, extracurricular research activities, and essay-writing competition. Ms. Faux praised the professionalism of the VCDNP and IAI noting that “whenever an issue arose, they were always there to help resolve them”.
For Virginia Bertuzzi, the programme was a “milestone exercise”. Ms Bertuzzi noted that her cohort of mentees became her family and helped her to stay motivated and not to lose hope even in difficult times. Now, they all look forward to the opportunity to meet again because, she said: “Once mentee, always mentee”. She encouraged the new cohort to take advantage of the opportunity and to ask for help given that having a mentor, she said, is priceless.
Akanshya Gurung, Emily Faux, and Virginia Bertuzzi, mentees of the 1st edition of the mentorship programme
Federica Dall’Arche, Senior Research Associate at the VCDNP and Paola Tessari, Researcher at the IAI, offered an overview of the programme, discussing expectations and opportunities for both mentors and mentees as well as the upcoming activities. A round of introductions of all participants followed, allowing the organizers, mentors, and mentees to get to know each other better.
Meet and Greet Session during the Launch Event
The VCDNP and IAI look forward to working with this bright and motivated cohort of mentees and deeply thank returning and new mentors in the 2022 Programme.

International Security, Nuclear Weapons and the War in Ukraine
2022-09-30 08:00 - 17:00
10 October 2022, 15:00 – 17:00
Via Gabriello Chiabrera 199, Roma sala delle Lauree

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Hybrid Format
The Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) and the International Affairs Institute (IAI), in cooperation with the University of Roma Tre, will hold a 2-hour event to discuss arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament and the impact of the war in Ukraine on these issues.
The event will be held on Monday, 10 October 2022 from 15:00 to 17:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST), both in-person at the faculty of Political Science of Roma Tre (via Gabriello Chiabrera 199) and online via Microsoft Teams.
You are invited to join VCDNP and IAI experts to discuss the current geopolitical landscape, with a focus on the impact of the war in Ukraine, assess the threat of nuclear weapons, including their potential use, the state of the non-proliferation regime and disarmament efforts. The event will also include an overview of the work of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC), and information on opportunities offered by fellowships, internships, and other initiatives.
Speakers include Ettore Greco and Manuel Herrera from IAI, Hanna Notte and Federica Dall’Arche from VCDNP, and professors Marilena Gala and Leopoldo Nuti from Roma Tre. A tentative agenda can be seen below.
The event can be joined by clicking on this link
The VCDNP and IAI thank the University of Roma Tre for hosting the event. The event is funded by the European Union in the framework of the EUNPDC and the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative.

Agenda
15:00 International Security, Nuclear Weapons and the War in The Ukraine
Welcome Address and Moderation
Marilena Gala, Associate Professor, Roma Tre University
Panelists
Ettore Greco, Executive Vice President, International Affairs Institute, Rome
Hanna Notte, Senior Research Associate, Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation
Leopoldo Nuti, Professor, Roma Tre University
Q&A
16:15 Break
16:25 The EUNPD Consortium and Other Initiatives and Opportunities
Moderation
Leopoldo Nuti, Professor, Roma Tre University

Panelists
Federica Dall’Arche, Senior Research Associate, Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation
Manuel Herrera, Researcher, International Affairs Institute, Rome,.

Q&A

17:00 Meeting Ends
