The EU Non-Proliferation Consortium

December 2022, SIPRI and EUNPDC co-host intensive course on ‘WMD Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Pathways’
2022-12-06 - 2022-12-08
On 6–8 December 2022, SIPRI and the European Union Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC) hosted an intensive introductory course on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), mechanisms to control their further spread and pathways to disarmament.
Held in Stockholm, the course brought together 19 international graduate and postgraduate students of engineering disciplines. This course was also a networking opportunity for the next generation of academics, researchers and policymakers in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation. Dr Sibylle Bauer, Director of Studies, Armament and Disarmament, and Vitaly Fedchenko, Senior Researcher with the SIPRI Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme, delivered welcoming remarks for the programme.Participants were trained by leading experts in the field of WMD non-proliferation, arms control, disarmament, nuclear security, forensics, export controls, verification and related subjects from SIPRI, as well other European and United States research centres, think tanks and international organizations.
Participants engaged in a three-day intensive programme of lectures and discussions covering the fundamentals of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons, as well as of missiles and other means of WMD delivery; threats associated with the military use of WMD and potential terrorist uses of chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear (CBRN) material (i.e. CBRN terrorism); arms control treaties; WMD-free zones; non-proliferation treaties and means of their verification; export controls; and mechanisms aimed at achieving disarmament. The course also examined the impact of new and emerging technologies, and the role of the engineering industry in preventing the spread and use of nuclear weapons.
SIPRI and the EUNPDC will continue to develop courses of this kind and host them twice a year.

Contact : Vitaly Fedchenko

Eleventh EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Conference
2022-11-14 14:00 - 2022-11-15 18:30 (Europe/Paris)
SUMMARY REPORT
Download the report, available in the following languages: ENG, FRA, SPA, ARA, RUS, CIN
The eleventh EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference (EUNPDC) was held on 14 and 15 November 2022 in a hybrid format at the SQUARE – Brussels Convention Centre in Brussels (Belgium). The Conference was organised by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) on behalf of the EU Network of Independent Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Think Tanks, gathering experts on non-proliferation, disarmament, arms control and conventional weapons from public institutions, governments, international organisations, independent think tanks and civil society. Over 250 experts from more than 50 countries – EU members, associated states and third countries – attended the conference in person.
The EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference is one of the flagship events of the European Network of Independent Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Think Tanks. The Network was established in July 2010 by the Council of the European Union to support the implementation of the EU Strategy Against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. The Network, which also focuses on the implementation of the EU Strategy Against Illicit Firearms, Small Arms & Light Weapons & Their Ammunition, brings together more than 100 research entities and is coordinated by a Consortium of six institutes: La Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS), International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (HSFK – PRIF), Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP).
Since 2012, the Annual Conference has been one of the key non-proliferation and disarmament meetings worldwide. It has contributed to promoting strategic discussion on measures to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their delivery systems, as well as to address challenges related to conventional weapons, including their illicit trade and the excessive accumulation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and their ammunition. The 2022 edition addressed numerous topics of central importance for the work of the EU, notably the European External Action Service (EEAS), as well as several pressing arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament issues.
The participants were welcomed by Ettore Greco, Executive Vice President of the Istituto Affari Internazionali, who started his speech by explaining the overall mission of the Consortium and the progress it has made in consolidating a broad network of European think tanks working on non-proliferation and disarmament. He then stressed that the Consortium had made a constant effort to improve its activities, such as expanding and diversifying educational activities, involving new areas of expertise, developing its outreach and communication strategy, and undertaking new initiatives to promote the active involvement of the younger generation, in particular young women. He then noted that the 2022 Conference would focus on the war in Ukraine, with a plenary session specifically dedicated to the implications and perspectives of the war. He stated that there would also be two plenary sessions on the main priorities of the international non-proliferation and disarmament agenda. Finally, he also announced two sets of parallel sessions covering topics such as cyber-attacks, the militarisation of outer space, biotechnology, missile proliferation and lethal autonomous weapons.
The Conference was opened by the Managing Director for Common Security and Defence Policy and Crisis Response of the EEAS, Benedikta Von Seherr-Thoss. She emphasised that European security had dramatically changed in one year and there had been, more broadly, a considerable deterioration of the international security environment. Nevertheless, the biggest reason for concern by far is, she said, Russia. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, she noted, hampered the EU’s work in most multilateral cooperation forums such as at the NPT Review Conference. She added that the EU will continue to work on pressing issues related to WMD, not only nuclear but also chemical and biological weapons, and mentioned the need to face the deteriorating situation in various regional and security environments such as the Middle East and North East Asia. Finally, she mentioned the challenges associated with the proliferation of conventional weapons in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine. She ended her intervention by emphasising that the EU’s role and commitment are crucial to tackle all these challenges.
The remainder of the conference was articulated into four plenary sessions and six parallel sessions which discussed a variety of issues such as the future of arms control and international security; the challenges to the NPT regime; the evolving threats of biological weapons; WMD threats in the Middle East; lethal autonomous weapons; cyber-security; responsible behaviour in outer space; missile technology proliferation; the Ukrainian war and weapons proliferation; and the implementation of the EU’s non-proliferation and disarmament agenda.
The Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation at the EEAS, Marjolijn van Deelen, stressed the radical change in the global and European security architecture. The current non-proliferation and disarmament regimes served very well in the past as they were instrumental in preventing destabilising arms races and reducing WMD threats over the past decades. Entire categories of WMD were outlawed and robust control mechanisms were set up, and as imperfect as they were, they gave a sense of stability. However, the present reality is different: we are witnessing a paradigm shift, not only in the WMD domain but also beyond. Practically, all major agreements have been challenged or violated. In the diplomatic jargon, this is attributable to “growing tensions between major powers and worsening of international security”, but this is just a way of saying that some States appear to be willing to deconstruct the global security order in the hope of gaining a relative advantage.
The UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, concurred that there was a visible shift towards a more turbulent and unstable future. The world is increasingly divided, she noted, distrust is replacing dialogue and the relations between nuclear armed States are deteriorating. She mentioned five objectives that need to be pursued in this context as a matter of priority: first, consolidate global norms against the use and possession of WMD; second, further work towards the elimination of chemical weapons; third, activate new instruments to cope with the dramatically worsening biological threats; fourth, advance the analysis of cyber and outer space as potential domains of conflict; and finally, work towards a positive outcome at the RevCon of the programme of action on small and light weapons. She closed her remarks by stating that in order to tackle the current challenges, there is the need to work with a multiplicity of actors, and added that the complementarity between the EU and the UNODA is grounded in a mutual conviction and commitment to a multilateral approach to disarmament and non-proliferation.
The 2022 EUNPD Conference also featured key interventions from high-ranking officials such as Wendin D. Smith, Director of NATO’s Arms Control, Disarmament, and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Non-proliferation Centre (ACDC); Deepti Choubey, Director of Knowledge Management and HR, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO); Gustavo Zlauvinen, President-designate of the Tenth Review Conference for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT); Jacek Bylica, Chief of Cabinet at the Director General’s Office, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); Daniel Feakes, Chief of the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) of the Biological Weapons Convention within the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA); Leonardo Bencini, President-designate of the Ninth Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC); Stephan Klement, Head of Delegation to the International Organisations in Vienna and EU Permanent Representative to the UN Organisations in Vienna, IAEA and CTBTO; Beyza Unal, Head of Science, Technology and International Security Unit at the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA); Seraina Frost, Deputy Head of Export Control Policy at SECO and Chair of MTCR Technical Expert Meeting; Heike Gerstbrein, Head of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) Operations & Election Observation Unit; Stefan Tressing, Deputy Head of Division, Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Arms Export Control, European External Action Service (EEAS); along with renowned academics, researchers and government officials from around the world.
The final session featured interventions by two young scholars: Emily Faux, mentee at the 2021 edition of the Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme (YWNGI), and Tim Thies, researcher in the Arms Control and Emerging Technologies Project at the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH) and speaker at the 2021 Next Generation Workshop. Both emphasised the need to raise public awareness about the potentially destructive effects of nuclear weapons and to include young people in order to promote new expertise on arms control, in fields such as cybersecurity and AI, and to foster greater generational diversity.
In her concluding remarks, Sibylle Bauer, Chair of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium and Director of Studies, Armament and Disarmament at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) emphasised the need to be open to new ideas and unorthodox solutions, and to think outside of the box. She noted that in the last five years the Conference had ensured a gender balance in terms of chairs, speakers and participants. She added that a greater dose of optimism was required in evaluating developments in the non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament field. In view of this, there is a need to switch to a problem-solving mode and think more deeply about concrete solutions to the new challenges. She then spoke about the need, in this age of disinformation and misinformation, to build trust between people in the sharing and dissemination of data and other sources of information and analysis. In this regard, she stressed the importance of independent research and the work done by the network of independent non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks. She concluded by calling for intensified efforts to bring a greater diversity of disciplines and approaches into the non-proliferation and disarmament field.
The EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference proved to be, once again, a central event for the international discussion on the future of arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament. It also contributed to reaffirming the strong EU commitment towards a rules-based global order and showed the increased awareness of EU non-proliferation and disarmament policies among government officials, academics and civil society representatives of third countries. Moreover, the debate explored new ways and means of improving capacities in areas of the world with limited expertise in countering the threats stemming from SALW, WMD and their means of delivery. Finally, as every year, the Conference served as a venue to highlight the role played by European think tanks specialised in non-proliferation and disarmament and the efforts undertaken by the EU Consortium to promote and coordinate their work.

AGENDA

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COMPREHENSIVE REPORT

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Call for participation - Next Generation Workshop on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament
2022-11-14 09:00 - 13:00 | Brussels – Belgium
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EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Next Generation Workshop 2022
2022-11-14 | Brussels – Belgium
On 14 November 2022, the IAI, as a member of the EUNPD Consortium, organised the EU Next Generation Nonproliferation and Disarmament Workshop. The annual event, in its fifth edition, was attended by young academics in the field of non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament, selected through a call for papers. During the event, participants presented their ideas on how to address the main challenges in this field. In particular, the following topics were addressed this year:

Russian Disinformation Practices at the OPCW
Which Actors Have Been Involved in Cyberspace during the War in Ukraine
Disinformation and Biological Weapons
Effective Arms Control for the Lethal Autonomous Weapons
Proliferation Concerns of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
Militarization of Outer Space
The hypersonic missile race’s implications for nuclear deterrence
Emerging Arms Race in Southern Asia
Sanctions implementation on North Korea
WMD Threats in the Middle East

The presentations were followed by questions and comments from other participants, including EU representatives.

Engagement Opportunities in Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation for Young Professionals and Students
2022-10-19 15:00 - 16:45 | Online
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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

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.

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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Non-Nuclear Weapons and Strategic Stability in Europe
2022-04-29 14:00 - 17:00
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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/

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.

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 - 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.

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

2021 Next Generation Workshop
2021-12-15 13:00 - 2021-12-16 16:00
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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.
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Tenth EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Conference
2021-12-06 13:00 - 2021-12-07 17:00
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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)

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
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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
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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
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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
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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

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.

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)

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
Download Syllabus

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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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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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
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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
