BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The EU Non-Proliferation Consortium - ECPv6.15.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:The EU Non-Proliferation Consortium X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://nonproliferation.eu X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The EU Non-Proliferation Consortium REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/Paris BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20180325T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20181028T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20190331T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20191027T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20200329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20201025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20210328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20211031T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20220327T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20221030T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210921T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210921T170000 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20211215T091234Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230630T102127Z UID:11286-1632211200-1632243600@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Nuclear Weapons: Politics and Proliferation DESCRIPTION:Sharon Weiner\nAmerican University\nFall 2021\nThis 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. \n\nLevel: Postgraduate\nDownload Syllabus URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/nuclear-weapons-politics-and-proliferation/ CATEGORIES:Syllabi,Syllabi Collection END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210921T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210921T170000 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20211215T090451Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230630T102132Z UID:11281-1632211200-1632243600@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Readings in Cooperative Security\,Arms Control\, and Nonproliferation Policy DESCRIPTION:Nancy Gallagher\nUniversity of Maryland\nFall 2021\nThe 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. \n\nLevel: Postgraduate\nDownload Syllabus URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/readings-in-cooperative-securityarms-control-and-nonproliferation-policy/ CATEGORIES:Syllabi,Syllabi Collection END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210921T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210921T170000 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20211215T082337Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230630T102139Z UID:11277-1632211200-1632243600@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Nuclear Weapons and Word Politics DESCRIPTION:Daniel Deudney\nJohns Hopkins University\nFall 2021\nThis 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. \n\nLevel: Undergraduate\nDownload Syllabus URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/nuclear-weapons-and-word-politics/ CATEGORIES:Syllabi,Syllabi Collection END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210916 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210918 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20220211T091534Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230920T142812Z UID:11475-1631750400-1631923199@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Tenth Consultative Meeting of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (hybrid format) DESCRIPTION: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. \nOrganised 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. \nThe virtual format allowed more than 100 participants representing EU Member States\, the EU\, and research centres of the EUNPDC Network to take part. \n \nThursday\, 16 September 2021 \n15:00: Opening of the virtual session \n15:15 – 15:30 \nWelcome and introduction to the meeting \nAmb. Marjolijn van Deelen\, Special Envoy on Disarmament and Non-proliferation and Head of the EEAS Disarmament Non-proliferation and Arms Export Control Division \nBenjamin Hautecouverture\, Senior research fellow\, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique \n15:30 – 16:30 \nTowards the tenth NPT review conference \nChair: Sibylle Bauer\, Director of Studies\, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute \nSpeakers: \n–           Maximillian Hoell\, Policy fellow\, European Leadership Network \n–           Amélie Delaroche\, Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva \n–           Clara Portela\, Research fellow\, EUISS \n16:30: Break \n17:00-18:00 \nThe EU\, non-proliferation & disarmament in the Indo-Pacific \nChair: Benjamin Hautecouverture\, Senior research fellow\, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique \nSpeakers: \n–           David Pusztai\, EEAS (TBC) \n–           Waheguru Pal Singh Sidhu (PhD)\, Associate Fellow\, Geneva Centre for Security Policy \n  \nFriday\, 17 Septembre 2021 \n09:00 – 10:00: Breakout sessions \n \n  \n10:00 – 10:30: Break \n10:30 – 11:30 \nNew technologies and arms control \nChair: Niklas Schörnig\, Senior researcher\, Peace Research Institute Frankfurt \nSpeakers: \n–           Lene L. Hove Rietveld\, Policy Adviser\, European External Action Service (on the Strategic EU Process on Responsible Military Use of New Technologies) \n–           Alisha Anand\, research fellow\, UNIDIR (TBC) \n–           Sitki Egeli\, Assistant Professor\, Faculty of Business\, Political Science and International Relations\, IZMIR Faculty of Economics \n  \n11:30 – 11:45 \nConcluding remarks \nBenjamin Hautecouverture\, Senior research fellow\, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique \nAmb. Marjolijn van Deelen\, Special Envoy on Disarmament and Non-proliferation and Head of the EEAS Disarmament Non-proliferation and Arms Export Control Division \n  URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/tenth-consultative-meeting-of-the-eu-non-proliferation-and-disarmament-consortium-hybrid-format/ CATEGORIES:Consultative Meetings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/E_af5mPVcAg0ZyC.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210906T000000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210906T235900 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20210824T155651Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210825T091133Z UID:10900-1630886400-1630972740@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Do You Aspire to Work at an International Organization? Tips and Insights for Young Professionals. DESCRIPTION: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. \nWhat 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. \nThe 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. \nSpeakers: \nMr. Pedro Álvarez Cobacho\, Recruitment Officer\, IAEA \nMs. Maria Chepurina\, External Relations Officer\, CTBTO \nMs. Monika Ivic\, Talent Acquisition Assistant\, OSCE \nThe discussion will be moderated by Elena K. Sokova\, Executive Director of the VCDNP and an International Gender Champion\, Vienna Hub. \nThe 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. \n\nRegistration and Questions\nWe kindly ask you to RSVP using the online registration form. \nBy registering for this event you acknowledge and agree to the VCDNP Responsible & Respectful Behavior Policy. URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/do-you-aspire-to-work-at-an-international-organization-tips-and-insights-for-young-professionals/ CATEGORIES:Education Programmes,Young Women and Next Generation Initiative ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Image1-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210708 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210709 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20220211T090445Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220211T090445Z UID:11465-1625702400-1625788799@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Towards a Common Understanding of the Risks and Threats to Safety\, Security and Sustainability in Outer Space (Part 1 – virtual) DESCRIPTION: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. \nThis 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. \nThis 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. \n \n13:00 – 13:10 Introduction and Welcoming Remarks \nXavier Pasco\, Director\, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS) \nCarine Claeys\, Special Envoy for Space and Head of SECDEFPOL.5 Space Division\, European External Action Service\, European Union (EU) \n13:10 – 14:10 Session 1: Congestion of the outer space environment \nThe 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. \nChair: Roxana Banu\, Space Policy Officer\, SECDEFPOL.5 Space Division\, European External Action Service\, European Union (EU) \nSpeakers: \n\nRajagopalan Rajeswari Pillai\, Director of the Centre for Security\, Strategy and Technology\, Observer Research Foundation (ORF)\nHubert Foy\, Director & Senior Research Scientist\, African Center for Science and International Security (AFRICSIS)\nAnnette Froehlich\, Honorary Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Town\n\n14:10 – 14:25 Break \n14:25 – 15:25 Session 2: New technologies and their impact on space safety and security \nNew 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). \nChair: Paul Wohrer\, Research Fellow\, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS) \nSpeakers: \n\nAlmudena Azcárate Ortega\, Associate Researcher\, Weapons of Mass Destruction and Other Strategic Weapons\, UNIDIR\nKazuto Suzuki\, Professor\, Tokyo University\nNivedita Raju\, Associate Researcher\, SIPRI\n\n15:25 – 15:30 Concluding Remarks \nCarine Claeys\, Special Envoy for Space and Head of SECDEFPOL.5 Space Division\, European External Action Service\, European Union (EU) \nXavier Pasco\, Director\, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS) URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/towards-a-common-understanding-of-the-risks-and-threats-to-safety-security-and-sustainability-in-outer-space-part-1-virtual/ CATEGORIES:Ad Hoc Seminars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Capture-décran-2022-02-11-à-10.03.05.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210621T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210621T170000 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20211215T092414Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230630T102232Z UID:11296-1624262400-1624294800@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Weapons of Mass Destruction DESCRIPTION:Gregory D. Koblentz\nGeorge Mason University\nSpring 2021\nThis 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. \n\nLevel: Undergraduate\nDownload Syllabus URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/weapons-of-mass-destruction/ CATEGORIES:Syllabi,Syllabi Collection END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210621T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210621T170000 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20211215T092149Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230630T102236Z UID:11294-1624262400-1624294800@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction DESCRIPTION:Gregory D. Koblentz\nGeorge Mason University\nSpring 2021\nSince 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. \n\nLevel: Postgraduate\nDownload Syllabus URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/terrorism-and-weapons-of-mass-destruction/ CATEGORIES:Syllabi,Syllabi Collection END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210621T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210621T170000 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20211215T091924Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230630T102243Z UID:11292-1624262400-1624294800@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Security in a Nuclear-Armed World DESCRIPTION:Benoît Pelopidas and Kjølv Egeland\nSciences Po\nSpring 2021\nThis 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. \n\nLevel: Postgraduate\nDownload Syllabus URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/security-in-a-nuclear-armed-world/ CATEGORIES:Syllabi,Syllabi Collection END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210621T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210621T170000 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20211215T091737Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230630T102250Z UID:11290-1624262400-1624294800@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Perspectives on Arms control\, Disarmament and Non-proliferation DESCRIPTION:Jens Bartsch\nGoethe University Frankfurt\nSpring 2021\nThis 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. \n\nLevel: Undergraduate\nDownload Syllabus URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/perspectives-on-arms-control-disarmament-and-non-proliferation-2/ CATEGORIES:Syllabi,Syllabi Collection END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210607 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210608 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20220211T090711Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220211T090912Z UID:11468-1623024000-1623110399@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Considering potential lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic to strengthen the BTWC (Part 2 – virtual) DESCRIPTION: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. \nThis 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. \nDuring 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. \nThrough 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. \n \n14:00 – 14:05 Introduction and Welcoming Remarks \n\nElisande Nexon\, Pharm.D\, Senior Research Fellow\, Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique\, France\n\n14:05 – 14:15 Introductory remarks (recorded) \n\nH.E. Ambassador Marjolijn van Deelen\, EU Special Envoy for Non-proliferation and Disarmament\n\n14:15 – 14:30 Keynote speech \nH.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 \n14:30 – 15:30 Session 1: Exploring the potential impact of the Covid-19 pandemic with regard to the implementation of the BTWC \nModerator: Dr. Sonia Drobysz\, Programme Director for National Implementation\, VERTIC\, United Kingdom \nSpeakers: \n\nDr. Una Jakob\, Research Associate\, Peace Research Institute Frankfurt\, Germany – Reporting from the expert workshop \nSigurd Schelstraete\, Director of the Department of Disarmament and Non-Proliferation\, Ministry of Foreign Affairs\, Belgium\nDr. Irmgard Adam\, Policy officer\, Permanent Representation of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva\n\nDiscussion \n15:30 – 16:30 Session 2: Revisiting the prospects of cooperation for peaceful purposes and emergency assistance through the potential lessons of the pandemic \nModerator: Dr. Ralf Trapp\, Independent consultant \nSpeakers: \n\nElisande Nexon\, Pharm.D\, Senior Research Fellow\, Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique\, France – Reporting from the expert workshop \nH.E. Ambassador Gianfranco Incarnato\, Permanent Representative of Italy to the Conference on Disarmament\nH.E. Ambassador Yann Hwang\, Permanent Representative of France to the Conference on Disarmament\n\nDiscussion \n16:30 Conclusion URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/the-fondation-pour-la-recherche-strategique-organised-a-virtual-eunpdc-ad-hoc-seminar-on-towards-a-common-understanding-of-the-risks-and-threats-to-safety-security-and-sustainability-in-oute/ CATEGORIES:Ad Hoc Seminars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Capture-décran-2022-02-11-à-10.05.59.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210517 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210518 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20210601T070954Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210601T091434Z UID:10758-1621209600-1621295999@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Considering potential lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic to strengthen the BTWC (Part 1 - virtual) DESCRIPTION: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. \n \n\n\n\nMonday\, 17 May 2021\n\n\n\n10:00 – 10:15 Introduction and Welcoming Remarks \n\nElisande Nexon (Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique\, France)\nMauri Pasanen (Disarmament\, non-proliferation and arms export control\, EEAS)\n\n10:15 – 11:30 Session 1: Exploring the potential impact of the Covid-19 pandemic with regard to the implementation of the BTWC \nChair: Una Jakob (Peace Research Institute Frankfurt\, Germany) \nSpeakers: \n\nJames Revill (United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research\, Switzerland) – Current and future main challenges and perspectives for the BWC stemming from the pandemic\nFilippa Lentzos (Kings College London\, United Kingdom) – Global health\, research and dual use dilemma in the Covid-19 perspective\nGunnar Jeremias (Hamburg University\, Germany) – Potential impact of the pandemic on the BWC national implementation\nTatyana Novossiolova (Centre for the Study of Democracy\, Bulgaria) – Cross-sectorial awareness raising and education challenges and perspectives in life sciences\n\nDiscussion \n11:30 – 11:45 Break \n11:45 – 13:00 Session 2: Revisiting the prospects of cooperation for peaceful purposes and emergency assistance through the potential lessons of the pandemic \nChair: Elisande Nexon (Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique\, France) \nSpeakers: \n\nJean 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)\nAlessandro Marcello (International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology\, Italy) – Promoting capacity building through cooperation and assistance\, the example of the ICGEB\nAnne-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\nAntoine Flahault (Institute of Global Health\, Switzerland) – Strengthening preparedness and response to international biological public health emergencies\n\nDiscussion \n13h00 Conclusion \n\nDaniel Feakes (BTWC Implementation Support Unit\, UNODA\, Geneva Branch) URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/ad-hoc-seminar-of-the-eu-non-proliferation-and-disarmament-consortium/ CATEGORIES:Ad Hoc Seminars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Capture-d’écran-2021-06-01-à-09.04.37.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210429 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210430 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20210512T081044Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210824T161009Z UID:10732-1619654400-1619740799@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:The European Union’s Role in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament and Its Engagement with Academia and The Younger Generation DESCRIPTION: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. \n \nIAI’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. \nMs. Federica Mogherini\nFederica 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. \nAmbassador Marjolijn van Deelen\nSupporting 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. \nDr. Sibylle Bauer\nThe 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. \nThe 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: \n\nClear thinking and solid analysis;\nExcellence;\nCommitment;\nAuthenticity;\nIntegrity;\nEmpathy\, in which active listening and really caring was stressed; and\nCreative Problem Solving.\n\n“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 \nAdding 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. \n“You need a mix of people that have different competences and when you put those together you can be much stronger.” – Marjolijn van Deelen \nThere 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. \n“I think passion in what you are doing is the only thing that really counts.” – Federica Mogherini \nSome 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. URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/the-european-unions-role-in-non-proliferation-and-disarmament-and-its-engagement-with-academia-and-the-younger-generation/ CATEGORIES:Young Women and Next Generation Initiative ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Capture-d’écran-2021-05-12-à-10.08.23.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210413T150000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210413T180000 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20210426T080807Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210426T081115Z UID:10677-1618326000-1618336800@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Next Generation Follow-Up Meeting DESCRIPTION: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. \nThe 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. \nAs 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. \nThe 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. \nVIEW THE MEETING AGENDA\nThe Impact of COVID-19 and other Bio-Security Challenges\nThe 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. \n\nThe 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. \nDr. 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. \nCyber Security and Implications for Non-Proliferation\nThe 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. \n \nAnother 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. \nNetworking session\nDuring this session\, participants were divided in groups and provided with ice-breaking questions. \nThe 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. \nREAD TAKEAWAYS FROM THE NETWORKING SESSION URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/eu-non-proliferation-and-disarmament-next-generation-follow-up-meeting/ CATEGORIES:Next generation workshop,Young Women and Next Generation Initiative ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/VCDNP-NEXTGEN.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210412T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20210412T170000 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20210412T114503Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240527T114657Z UID:13705-1618214400-1618246800@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme Launch Event DESCRIPTION:Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme Launch Event\nOn 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. \nThe 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. \nOpen Nuclear Network Director Laura Rockwood gives her keynote address.\nThe 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. \nAside 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). \nRead the event agenda URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/young-women-in-non-proliferation-and-disarmament-mentorship-programme-launch-event/ CATEGORIES:Young Women in non-proliferation and disarmament Mentorship Programme ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pp-donne_e_non_prolif.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210222 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210227 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20210414T150042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210414T150104Z UID:10533-1613952000-1614383999@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:February 2021 Introductory Course on the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction DESCRIPTION: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. \n \nThe 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. \nStudents 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. \nVCDNP Senior Fellow Angela Kane participating in the session dedicated to a case study on Syria’s chemical weapons program.\nA 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. \nFilippa Lentzos (King’s College London)\, Ulrich Kühn (IFSH)\, and Dr. James Revill (UNIDIR) discussion new and emerging technologies and WMD threats.\nExperts 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. \nDr. Sibylle Bauer and Dr. Mirko Himmel give an overview of Strategic Trade Controls.\n \n \n \n \n \n Loading...\n \n \n \n \n \n Taking too long?\n \n \n Reload document \n |\n \n Open in new tab \n \n \n \n Download \nAt 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): \nIt 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. \n*** \nAs 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. \n*** \nThis 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. \n*** \nThank 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. \nThe 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. URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/february-2021-introductory-course-on-the-proliferation-of-weapons-of-mass-destruction/ CATEGORIES:Education Programmes,Proliferation Awareness Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Capture-d’écran-2021-04-14-à-16.55.43.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210210 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210211 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20210421T114637Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210422T152150Z UID:10641-1612915200-1613001599@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Non-Proliferation\, Arms Control and Disarmament: Changes in the Field and Career Tracks DESCRIPTION:The fields of arms control\, non-proliferation and security have been dominated by men. Though improvements have been made over the last decade\, diversity is still lacking in terms of gender\, color\, and age. This observation is the driving force behind the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI) launched on 10 February 2021 by the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) and the International Affairs Institute (IAI) in Rome\, Italy\, in the framework of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium. The Initiative encourages young women and the next generation to enter the non‑proliferation\, arms control\, and disarmament field\, especially at a time in which the global pandemic has isolated many young people who may find themselves lacking resources and assistance. \nIn this spirit\, the launch event featured a spectacular panel of speakers from different backgrounds including Angela Kane\, former UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs\, Ambassador Kjersti Andersen of Norway\, Dr. Kim Baines\, a scientist at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Dr. Heather Williams from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. IAI’s Researcher Federica Dall’Arche moderated the event and VCDNP Executive Director Elena Sokova offered welcoming remarks. The event attracted over 350 attendees highlighting the appetite to learn more and engage in the field. \nL-R: Federica Dall’Arche (IAI)\, Dr. Kim Baines: (IAEA)\, Elena Sokova (VCDNP)\, Dr. Heather Williams (MIT)\, Ambassador Kjersti Andersen (Norway)\, Angela Kane (VCDNP).\nThe speakers addressed how the non-proliferation\, arms control and disarmament field has changed over the years and provided insights into their own experiences in the field as well as offered recommendations for the next generation. Coming from diverse backgrounds\, the speakers drew on experiences in the UN\, government\, natural sciences\, and academia\, emphasizing the diversity of the field itself and highlighting that there are many different pathways to enter the non-proliferation\, arms control\, and disarmament area. In her opening remarks\, Angela Kane stressed that to make a difference in the field it is not necessary to have a background specifically on arms control and non-proliferation and encouraged the next generation to think of the field with a wider lens focused on international policy and security. \nIn reflecting on how the field has changed over the years\, speakers noted that the representation of women has seen an improvement\, with many panellists noting that at the start of their careers it was not rare to be the only women in a room full of men. Despite the improvement\, however\, Ambassador Andersen highlighted that “once you have gender parity within an organization you need to keep working on it because it is never achieved once and for all.” Dr. Baines also personally expressed excitement on “the paradigm shift that has been occurring over the last five years to be inclusive of women in technical and political disciplines.” This shift is also supported by the IAEA’s newly established Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme. \nPanellists also offered insights and recommendations to early- to mid-career individuals. There was consensus among the panellists on the need to accept challenges\, to reach out to colleagues and other experts\, to build a network\, and follow one’s passion. Caution was expressed in terms of networking though\, noting that one needs to be conscientious of others time\, and though many in the field are happy to help\, such networking effort must be done with a purpose or question in mind. In this regard Dr. Heather Williams stressed the importance of being someone that other people want to work and network with\, as the arms control\, non-proliferation and disarmament field is a community and most people know each other and collaborate with one another. \nMany participants were keen to learn of opportunities and recommendations for what they could actively be doing during the pandemic and beyond\, especially as the implications of COVID-19 on the job market remain to be seen. Panellists provided plenty of ideas\, including the importance of writing and publishing as it shows willingness to take intellectual risks. Speakers also stressed the need to invest in one’s skills\, such as presentation skills\, languages and intellectual curiosity in other fields of study. One way to expand one’s knowledge is through courses\, traineeships\, internships and mentorships\, such as those offered by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS)\, King’s College London\, Women in Nuclear\, country embassies and permanent missions\, and international organisations. \nThe event ended with an anecdote shared by Angela Kane emphasizing the importance of women needing to support one another in a still largely male dominated field. One way to do this is by promoting and establishing an advocacy network or group of like-minded individuals to make a statement that could lead to change. \nMore events like this one will be organized and the VCDNP and IAI look forward to connecting and making use of the virtual format with which we are now familiar. To learn more about VCDNP and IAI’s initiative and mentorship programme or email mzarka@middlebury.edu or f.dallarche@iai.it. URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/non-proliferation-arms-control-and-disarmament-changes-in-the-field-and-career-tracks/ CATEGORIES:Young Women and Next Generation Initiative ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/YWND-619x352.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20201214T150000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20201215T183000 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20210601T070340Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210601T091503Z UID:10754-1607958000-1608057000@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Addressing illicit SALW and ammunition in conflict affected areas - The role for peace support operations (virtual) DESCRIPTION:The proliferation of illicit weapons\, especially small arms and light weapons (SALW) and their ammunition\, continues to contribute to armed violence\, crime and instability especially in conflict affected areas. The destabilizing accumulation\, illicit transfer and misuse of conventional weapons and ammunition continue to initiate\, sustain and exacerbate armed conflict. In addition\, poorly-controlled weaponry and associated ammunition are impeding sustainable development and negatively impacting humanitarian assistance\, often in the world’s most fragile societies. \nThe UN Security Council—the primary organ of the United Nations responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security—remains actively seized of these cross-cutting challenges. It has addressed weapons-related issues across its agenda\, from Security Sector Reform to arms embargoes to counter-terrorism and sustaining peace\, while also treating these matters in country-specific and regionally-focused contexts. \nWeapons and ammunition management (WAM) has become an increasingly critical tool of the Security Council in this regard. In recent years\, the United Nations has supported national authorities in WAM in places like Central African Republic\, Democratic Republic of the Congo\, Haiti and Mali. \nThe Secretary-General has acknowledged the criticality of weapons and ammunition management to “saving lives”\, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings. In his Agenda for Disarmament\, Securing Our Common Future\, the Secretary-General acknowledges that the loss of arms and ammunition from storage sites\, and their onward proliferation\, can be a catalyst for armed violence\, conflict and insecurity. \nAgainst this backdrop\, the aim of this ad hoc webinar was to allow for an exchange of views and experiences of EU and UN peace operations in addressing illicit weapons\, and to provide recommendations to develop further the arms control aspect in the design and mandate of EU and UN peace support operations. \n \n  \n\n\n\nMonday\, 14 December 2020\n\n\n\n15:15 – 15:30 Introduction and Welcoming Remarks \n\nAmbassador Marjolijn van Deelen\, Special Envoy on Disarmament and Non-proliferation and Head of the EEAS Disarmament Non-proliferation and Arms Export Control Division\, EU\nMs. Izumi Nakamitsu\, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs\, UN\nMr. Benjamin Hautecouverture\, Senior research fellow\, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique/EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium\n\n15:30 – 16:30 Session 1: The Legal and Political Environment \nChair: Mr. Benjamin Hautecouverture\, Senior research fellow\, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique/EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium \nSpeakers: \n\nMs. Katherine Prizeman\, UNODA\nMr. Jonah Leff\, Conflict Armament Research\nMr. Eric Berman\, former Director\, Small Arms Survey\n\n16:30 – 16:45 Break \n16:45 – 18h00 Session 2: The Role of Peace Operations in Information Gathering\, Tracing and Investigation \nChair: Mr. Ntagahoraho Burihabwa\, DPO\, UN \nSpeakers: \n\nSavannah de Tessieres\, UN consultant\, former Coordinator of UN Libya Panel of Experts\nDavid Lochhead\, ex-DPKO MINUSMA\, UNMISS and UNMIS; Small Arms Survey\nACOS CJ3 – OF5 Dionysios Mantadakis\, EUNAVFOR MED IRINI\, EU\n\n  \n\n\n\nTuesday\, 15 December 2020\n\n\n\n15:30 – 16:45 Session 3: The Role of Peace Operations in Supporting Weapons and Ammunition Management \nChair: Dr. Sylvain Paile-Calvo\, Senior researcher\, European Studies Unit\, University of Liège \nSpeakers: \n\nAlexander Ralf Riebl\, UNMAS\nNora Allgaier\, DPO-ODA\, UN\nHardy Giezendanner\, UNIDIR\nLt Col (EL A) Odysseas Loukopoulos\, C.2 – Crisis Response Planning and Current Operations\, European External Action Service\, EU\n\n16:45 – 17:00 Break \n17:00 – 18h15 Session 4: Weapons and Ammunition Management Policy and Practices in Peace Operations \nChair: Mr. Michal Adamowicz\, European External Action Service\, EU \nSpeakers: \n\nMr. Emile Le Brun\, Small Arms Survey\nWing Commander Samatha Gomani\, DPO-Office of Military Affairs\, Policy and Doctrine Division\, UN\nDr. Jovana Carapic\, GICHD’s Ammunition Management Advisory Team (AMAT)\n\n  \n18:15 – 18:30 Concluding Remarks \n\nMr. Alexandre Zouev\, Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions\, UN\nMs. Alison Weston\, Head of Division – Partnerships and Agreements (SECDEFPOL.2)\, European External Action Service\, EU\nMr. Benjamin Hautecouverture\, Senior research fellow\, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique/EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/addressing-illicit-salw-and-ammunition-in-conflict-affected-areas-the-role-for-peace-support-operations/ CATEGORIES:Ad Hoc Seminars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Capture-d’écran-2021-06-01-à-09.01.32.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20201125T083000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20201125T170000 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20201127T084113Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210104T135740Z UID:10203-1606293000-1606323600@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:2020 Next Generation Workshop DESCRIPTION:The EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Next Generation Workshop was held virtually on 25 November 2020. The event was organized by the Isitituto Affari Internazionali (IAI)\, on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium. \n14 young professionals were selected among over 50 applications to discuss pressing issues of the Arms Control\, Non-Proliferation and Disarmament field and present fresh ideas and views on how to address the field’s main challenges. Specifically\, this year\, the Workshop cover the following topics: \n\nThe Future of Nuclear Arms Control and Non-Proliferation in an Era of Crumbling Treaties\nArms Trade Regulation and the Fight Against Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW)\nRegional Threats to Non-Proliferation and Arms Control\n The Impact of Emerging Technologies on International Security and Arms Control: From Cyber Attacks to Autonomous Weapons\n\nPresentations were followed by comments from other participants\, including EU officials. \nThe Workshop brought together over 100 participants from 26 different countries\, contributing significantly to the advancement of fresh thinking and news ideas on arms control\, non-proliferation and disarmament. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Loading...\n \n \n \n \n \n Taking too long?\n \n \n Reload document \n |\n \n Open in new tab \n \n \n \n Download URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/2020-next-generation-workshop/ CATEGORIES:Next generation workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Capture-d’écran-2020-11-27-à-09.42.25.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20201112T090000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20201113T130000 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20201116T093518Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210209T093145Z UID:10150-1605171600-1605272400@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Ninth EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference DESCRIPTION:The Ninth EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Conference was held virtually on 12 – 13 November 2020. Organised by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) on behalf of the EU Consortium of independent non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks the Conference has been\, since 2012\, one of the key non-proliferation and disarmament events worldwide. \nThe conference addressed several pressing issues of the field\, including ways to rebuild mutual trust in arms control\, non-proliferation and disarmament; how to tackle arms diversion; the impact of artificial intelligence and related technologies; and the similitudes between biological weapons and pandemics and lessons learned from Covid-19. \nThe conference was attended by over 420 experts from over 54 different countries\, including experts and representatives from governments and international organizations and high-level speakers from public institutions\, international organisations and civil society. Opened by a message from the Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy\, Josep Borrell\, and remarks from United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs\, Izumi Nakamitsu\, the Conference included keynote speeches from Amb. Gustavo Zlauvinen\, President-designate of the 2020 Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation Treaty\, and Amb. Fernando Arias\, Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Further speakers included US Assistant Secretary of State\, Christopher Ford\, and the Director-General of the Department of Arms Control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China\, Fu Cong\, besides renowned academics\, researchers and officials from around the world. \nThe EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Conference demonstrated once again the EU’s strong commitment and support for multilateral non-proliferation and disarmament as well as the rules-based order. \n  \nMessage from High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the Commission Josep Borrell \n  \n \nEU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference \n12-13 November 2020 \nRemarks by HE Gustavo Zlauvinen\, President-designate of Tenth NPT Review Conference \n \nSpeech by Izumi Nakamitsu\, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs \n \nSpeech by Christopher Ashley Ford\, Assistant Secretary\, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation\, U.S. Department of State \n \nStatement by Director-General FU Cong at the EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nRead the summary report from the event :\n \n  \nAgenda of the ninth EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n Loading...\n \n \n \n \n \n Taking too long?\n \n \n Reload document \n |\n \n Open in new tab \n \n \n \n Download \n  URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/ninth-eu-non-proliferation-and-disarmament-conference/ CATEGORIES:International Conferences ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Capture-d’écran-2020-11-16-à-10.34.30.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20200910 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20200912 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20200929T080642Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200929T080743Z UID:9667-1599696000-1599868799@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Ninth EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consultative Meeting – virtual event DESCRIPTION:10 September 2020 – 11 September 2020\nThe 9th consultative meeting of the EU Consortium on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament was held on 10 and 11 September 2020 in remote format. It was an opportunity to welcome the new Special Envoy on Disarmament and Non-proliferation and Head of the EEAS Disarmament Non-proliferation and Arms Export Control Division\, Ambassador Marjolijn van Deelen\, who focused her presentation on the challenge of multilateralism in arms control. \nThis year\, our consultative meeting also addressed in particular Arms control\, non-proliferation and disarmament challenges in the context of the global health crisis; the challenges facing the EU in the run-up to the 10th NPT Review Conference to be held in 2021; Artificial Intelligence in weapon systems\, the norm of non-use of chemical and biological weapons\, key developments in the global and European arms trade\, and attempted to elaborate a long-term view on non-proliferation and export control regimes. \nDespite the format constrained by sanitary conditions\, the meeting allowed more than 80 European participants representing States\, the EU\, and research centres of our Consortium network to discuss the thorny questions that the particularly tense strategic environment poses in terms of arms control and international security. \nYear after year\, changes in the technological context in which new weapons systems are emerging are increasingly at the heart of the reflections of our group\, with the aim of placing European action at the forefront of the new challenges facing arms control\, non-proliferation and disarmament. \nNoteworthy this year: for many participants\, the global sanitary crisis will probably have contributed to increasing the polarization in arms control and disarmament. \n \n10 September 2020\n15:15 – 15:30\nWelcome and introduction to the meeting\nAmb. Marjolijn van Deelen\, Special Envoy on Disarmament and Non-proliferation and Head of the EEAS Disarmament Non-proliferation and Arms Export Control Division\nBenjamin Hautecouverture\, Senior research fellow\, FRS\, France \n15:30 – 16:30\nArms control\, non-proliferation and disarmament challenges in the context of the global health crisis\nChair: Sibylle Bauer\, Director of studies\, SIPRI\nSpeakers:\n–           Amb. Marjolijn van Deelen\, Special Envoy on Disarmament and Non-proliferation and Head of the EEAS Disarmament Non-proliferation and Arms Export Control Division\n–           Elena Sokova\, Director\, VCDNP\n–           Emmanuelle Maitre\, Research fellow\, FRS \n17:00-18:00\nIs the postponement of the Tenth NPT Review Conference an opportunity?\nChair: Ettore Greco\, Executive Vice-President\, IAI\nSpeakers:\n–           Narcisa Vladulescu\, Chair of the Non-Proliferation Council Working Party (CONOP)\, EEAS\n–           Océane Tranchez\, Researcher\, IESD\n–           Marion Messmer\, Co-Director\, BASIC \n\n11 september 2020\n09:00 – 10:00: Breakout sessions \n \n10:30 – 11:30\nA long-term view on non-proliferation and export control regimes\nChair: Stéphane Chardon\, DG TRADE\, European Commission\nSpeakers:\n–           Melissa Hanham\, Deputy director\, Open Nuclear Network\n–           Aude Jalabert\, Trade Compliance Manager at Infineon Technologies AG\n–           Jean Masson\, Research fellow\, FRS \n11:30 – 11:45\nConcluding remarks\nBenjamin Hautecouverture\, Senior research fellow\, FRS\nAmb. Marjolijn van Deelen\, Special Envoy on Disarmament and Non-proliferation and Head of the EEAS Disarmament Non-proliferation and Arms Export Control Division \n \n  URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/ninth-eu-non-proliferation-and-disarmament-consultative-meeting-virtual-event/ LOCATION:Held virtually CATEGORIES:Consultative Meetings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/EhjqrajWoAACAWT.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20200623T090000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20200624T120000 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20200915T171649Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210601T091553Z UID:9485-1592902800-1593000000@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Strengthening Non-proliferation and Disarmament Education in Europe (Part I – virtual) DESCRIPTION:On 23 and 24 June 2020\, SIPRI\, on behalf of the EUNPD Consortium\, organised a virtual event on Strengthening Non-proliferation and Disarmament (NPD) Education in Europe. The inperson event originally planned to be held in Brussels will take place at a later date. The 47 participants included\, for the first time\, university-affiliated members of the EUNPD Network. The first session provided an overview of education activities by the Consortium\, the Network and the United Nations. The second session focused on how to make NPD education relevant and engaging\, with contributions from academics who drew on experiences in different disciplines. The third session discussed ways to adjust to current challenges by sharing lessons learned from online teaching as well as other platforms. In this context\, PRIF presented the EUNPDC e-Learning tool. Given the sudden shift to online learning following the COVID outbreak\, the event provided an extremely valuable forum for sharing good practices\, including feedback from students on online teaching. The concluding roundtable session explored ideas to improve NPD education for Consortium and Network members. Suggestions included a gender focus given the continuing imbalance in NPD education; interdisciplinary initiatives; shared classrooms and mutual teaching at each other’s classes; joint summer schools; engagement with other regions; and stronger synergies between students and professionals\, inter alia by reinforcing links between Network members involved in education activities and those who are not\, as well as officials participating in the various Consortium activities. An overview of NPD education activities by Network members will be the subject of an EUNPD paper to be published after the summer. \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n Loading...\n \n \n \n \n \n Taking too long?\n \n \n Reload document \n |\n \n Open in new tab \n \n \n \n Download URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/strengthening-non-proliferation-and-disarmament-education-in-europe-part-i-virtual/ CATEGORIES:Ad Hoc Seminars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/EbNFXQUWkAALoma.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20200219 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20200220 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20210204T150538Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210414T141249Z UID:10302-1582070400-1582156799@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Short Course on The Spread of Nuclear Weapons: History\, Threats and Solutions DESCRIPTION:On 19-21 February 2020\, the VCDNP held the first course on nuclear non-proliferation for graduate and post-graduate students in the fields of IT and engineering\, titled “The Spread of Nuclear Weapons: History\, Threats and Solutions”. The course represented a joint project between the VCDNP and the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC)\, of which the VCDNP is one of six leading non-governmental organizations. The course brought together 26 participants from nine European universities in nine countries. \nCourse instructors Alexi Drew (King’s College London)\, Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova (VCDNP)\, Sibylle Bauer (SIPRI)\, Elena Sokova (VCDNP) and Jean-Maurice Crete (IAEA\, retired) during the course’s final session on “Nuclear Proliferation\, New Technologies\, and the Shape of the Future\nThe three-day course was designed to provide an introduction to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament issues to students of technical subjects. The program covered a broad range of topics\, from the fundamentals of the nuclear fuel cycle and the history of the spread of nuclear weapons\, to export controls and the challenges and opportunities presented by advanced and emerging technologies. \nThe students learned about different elements of the international non-proliferation regime\, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons\, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its safeguards\, and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) and the verification system it establishes. Course participants also received an overview of how open source information and tools\, including satellite imagery and image analysis software\, can be used to monitor nuclear and missile programs such as that of North Korea. \nThe lecturers at the course included experts from the VCDNP\, the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies\, IAEA\, CTBTO\, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute\, King’s College London and Austrian Red Cross. \nCourse instructors Alexi Drew (King’s College London)\, Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova (VCDNP)\, Sibylle Bauer (SIPRI)\, Elena Sokova (VCDNP) and Jean-Maurice Crete (IAEA\, retired) during the course’s final session on “Nuclear Proliferation\, New Technologies\, and the Shape of the Future URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/2020-proliferation-awareness-course-invitation-to-apply/ CATEGORIES:Proliferation Awareness Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Image1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20191221T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20191221T170000 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20211215T092544Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230630T102327Z UID:11298-1576915200-1576947600@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:International Politics and the Nuclear Age DESCRIPTION:Jan Ruzicka\nAberystwyth University\nWinter 2019/2020\nThe module examines key historical developments of the nuclear age. It looks at various factors which have shaped this period (the end of the World War II; the onset\, conduct and the end of the Cold War; the post-Cold War period). It shows how nuclear weapons and concerns about their spread have informed state policies\, led to the formation of international agreements and regimes\, and shaped the involvement of non-state actors in international politics. The module also highlights the normative dilemmas presented by the onset of the nuclear age. It will focus on state policies\, institutional mechanisms\, economic and societal constraints\, and ideas influencing the humanity’s life with the bomb. \n\nLevel: Undergraduate\nDownload Syllabus URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/international-politics-and-the-nuclear-age/ CATEGORIES:Syllabi,Syllabi Collection END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20191213 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20191215 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20191213T130742Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201105T042601Z UID:8844-1576195200-1576367999@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Eighth EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference DESCRIPTION:  \nMessage from Pawel Herczyński on behalf of HR/VP Josep Borrell \nEU NON-PROLIFERATION AND DISARMAMENT CONFERENCE \n13-14 DECEMBER\, 2019 \nExcellency’s\, Ladies and Gentlemen\, \nIt is my pleasure to welcome you to Brussels to the Eight Annual EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Conference. Diplomats\, policy makers\, civil society\, industry\, and academics from around the world are here today to tackle some of the most complex challenges of our times. Today you are not simply discussing non-proliferation and disarmament issues. You are here to discuss about our future: the fate of global security. I very much regret not being able to attend in person. \nI want to welcome the participation of civil society\, in particular the EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Consortium of think tanks. Thank you for organising this event. But\, above all\, thank you for your tireless work in promoting research and dialogue on these important issues. \nWe live in a dangerous world. This will not come as a surprise to you. Looking at the wider geo-strategic picture\, we see the rebirth of geo-strategic competition. This affects different regions and mobilises powerful regional actors. Today’s challenges affect us all irrespective of our location. \nWe are seeing a step back in some of the greatest accomplishments in global non-proliferation and disarmamanet after the cold war. If we forget our past\, we are doomed to repeat the same mistakes. We must avoid entering into a new arms race which would endanger the peaceful future of our continent. \nNon-proliferation and disarmament are at a critical juncture. Multilateralism as a whole is under threat. The European Union strongly believes in a rules-based world order\, where States and institutions address global challenges together\, but also resolve their differences. \nIn the coming year\, the EU will particularly focus on promoting a successful outcome of the 2020 Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. On its 50th anniversary\, we must celebrate and reinforce the NPT as a key multilateral instrument for international peace\, security and stability. The EU strongly supports all three pillars of the NPT: disarmament\, non-proliferation\, and peaceful uses of nuclear technologies. All States Parties have committed to pursuing policies that are fully compatible with the Treaty and the objective of achieving a world without nuclear weapons. Our non-proliferation efforts in relation to Iran will continue to be key in this context. \nThe Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty has been an important component of European security architecture. Its disappearance creates a dangerous security void. It also highlights that intermediate-range nuclear missiles are a threat way beyond Europe. The EU is ready to support international efforts aimed at developing confidence-building measures that will help avoid escalation and further proliferation. \nThe well-established norm against chemical weapons is being tested. We must be firm that any use of chemical weapons anywhere\, at any time\, by anyone\, be it a State or a non-State actor\, under any circumstances is unacceptable and violates international law and norms. There can be no impunity\, those responsible need to be brought to justice. \nFinally\, we should not forget that it is conventional weapons that claim most victims in today’s conflicts. For this reason\, the EU is stepping up its efforts to prevent the trafficking of small arms and light weapons\, and to achieve a mine-free world for future generations. We should never forget the human face of security. \nFurther initiatives and processes at international and regional levels to restore dialogue and trust and promote transparency and confidence-building measures are crucial and deserve our support. \nIn all these areas\, dialogue with our global partners is essential. This is what makes gatherings such as this conference so important. We must collectively speak the language of both our interests and of our values. \nI call upon all of you to demonstrate persistence and creativity in strengthening the global non-proliferation and disarmament architecture. We owe this to future generations to leave to them a more secure and stable world. \nI wish you a fruitful and open discussion\, with the collective aim to increase international security\, ensure non-proliferation\, and promote disarmament. \nThis is some extract of the Eighth EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference : \nSUMMARY REPORT\n  \n \n  \nPresentation at the 8th EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference\n  \n \n  \n   \n  \nFRIDAY\, 13 DECEMBER 2019\nINTRODUCTORY SESSION – Europe Room\nWelcome Addresses\nEttore Greco\, Executive Vice President\, Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI)\, Rome \nOpening Speech\nPawel Herczyński\, Acting Deputy Secretary General for Common Security and Defence Policy and Crisis Response \nFIRST PLENARY SESSION – Europe Room \nNon-Proliferation and Disarmament at a Critical Juncture: New Trends and Challenges\nChair:\nJacek Bylica\, Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation\, European Union External Action Service (EEAS)\, Brussels \nSpeakers:\nChristopher Ford\, Assistant Secretary\, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation\, U.S. Department of State\, Washington D.C.\nIzumi Nakamitsu\, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs\, New York\nMikhail Ulyanov\, Ambassador\, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the International Organizations in Vienna\nWilliam Alberque\, Director of Arms Control\, Disarmament\, WMD Non-Proliferation Centre (ACDC)\, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) \nPARALLEL BREAKOUT SESSIONS\nSESSION IA – Orange Room\nNon-Proliferation and Disarmament in North-East Asia\nChair:\nElena Sokova\, Executive Director\, Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) \nSpeakers:\nAkira Igata\, Visiting Professor\, Center for Rule-making Strategies\, Tama University\, Tokyo\nAndrei Lankov\, Director of Korea Risk Group\, and Professor\, Kookmin University\, Seoul\nDuyeon Kim\, Senior Advisor for Northeast Asia and Nuclear Policy\, International Crisis Group\, Seoul\nMelissa Hanham\, Deputy Director\, Open Nuclear Network\, and Director\, Datayo Project\, One Earth Future Foundation\, Vienna \nSESSION IB – Europe Room\nProspects and challenges of the WMDFZ in the Middle East\nChair:\nChen Kane\, Director\, Middle East Nonproliferation Program\, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS)\, Monterey \nSpeakers:\nEmad Kiyaei\, Principal\, IGD Group\nFarzan Sabet\, Project Manager and Researcher\, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)\, Geneva\nKarim Haggag\, Professor\, American University of Cairo\nTomisha Bino\, Programme Analyst\, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)\, Geneva \nSESSION IIA – Orange Room\nArms Control in Outer Space\nChair:\nMichael Elleman\, Director of Non-Proliferation and Nuclear Policy Programme\, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)\, Washington DC\nSpeakers:\nAjey Lele\, Senior Fellow\, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA)\, New Delhi\nAlexandra Stickings\, Research Fellow\, Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)\, London\nPetr Havlik\, Senior Space Policy Officer\, EEAS\nMa Shengkun\, Deputy Director-General\, Department of Arms Control\, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China\, Beijing\nXavier Pasco\, Director\, Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique (FRS)\, Paris \nSESSION IIB – Europe Room\nCyber Security Challenges\nChair:\nNiklas Schörnig\, Senior Researcher\, Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF) \nSpeakers:\nGiacomo Persi Paoli\, Programme Lead for Security and Technology\, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)\, Geneva\nGregor Ramuš\, Project Associate\, OSCE\, Vienna\nJinghua Lyu\, Visiting Scholar\, Cyber Policy Initiative\, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace\, Washington D.C.\nRaluca Csernatoni\, Visiting Researcher\, Carnegie Europe\, Brussels \nSECOND PLENARY SESSION – Europe Room\nTowards the 2020 NPT Review Conference\nChair:\nBenjamin Hautecouverture\, Senior Research Fellow\, Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique (FRS)\, Paris \nSpeakers:\nJenny Nielsen\, Information Officer\, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)\, Vienna\nGaukhar Mukhatzhanova\, Director of International Organizations and Non-Proliferation Program\, Vienna Center For Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP)\nMarjolijn van Deelen\, Head of the Non-proliferation\, Disarmament and Nuclear Affairs Division\, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands\, The Hague\nMeena Singelee\, Head of the Geneva Office\, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) \nThe JCPOA Procurement Channel: An Assessment\nNicolas Kasprzyk\, Head JCPOA Procurement Channel Section\, Delegation of the EU to the International Organisations in Vienna \nSATURDAY\, 14 DECEMBER 2019\nTHIRD PLENARY SESSION – Europe Room\nRegulating Arms Trade\nChair:\nTim Ripley\, Independent journalist and analyst \nSpeakers:\nAbayomi Nicholas Adeomi\, Program Officer\, Small Arms and Light Weapons\, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)\nJānis Kārkliņš\, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the United Nations\, Geneva\nMélanie Régimbal\, Director\, United Nations Regional Centre for Peace\, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC)\, Lima\nSigrid Lipott\, Associate Researcher\, Small Arms Survey\, Geneva \nFOURTH PLENARY SESSION – Europe Room\nKeynote Speech\n\nHans Brattskar\, President of the Fourth Review Conference of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention\, Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations and other International Organisations\, Geneva \nImplementing the EU’s Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Agenda\nChair:\nGustav Lindstrom\, Director\, EU Institute for Security Studies (EUISS)\, Paris \nSpeakers:\nJacek Bylica\, Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation\, European Union External Action Service (EEAS)\, Brussels\nLeena Pylvanainen\, Director for Arms Control\, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland\, Helsinki\nSusanne Baumann\, Federal Government Commissioner for Disarmament and Arms Control and Director-General for International Order\, the United Nations and Arms Control\, Federal Foreign Office\, Berlin \nClosing Remarks\nSibylle Bauer\, Chair\, EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Consortium /Director of Studies\, Armament and Disarmament\, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) \n  \nTo watch the full videos from the conference\, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqpWJLN2954&list=PLlBLU211Zhenvhe4HE_vDwV1JnuaOnaWd&index=2&t=0s URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/eighth-eu-non-proliferation-and-disarmament-conference/ CATEGORIES:International Conferences ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/82094786_987768534950576_144807644178153472_o.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20191212T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20191212T170000 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20201105T110631Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201105T143629Z UID:10128-1576137600-1576170000@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:2019 Next Generation Workshop DESCRIPTION:  \nWelcome Addresses \nEran Nagan\, Incoming Chair of Working Party on Conventional Arms Exports (COARM)\,\nEuropean Union External Action Service (EEAS)\nFederica Dall’Arche\, Researcher\, Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI)\, Rome \nEmerging Technologies\, including Cyber Security\nChair:\nEttore Greco\, Executive Vice-President\, Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI)\, Rome \nSpeakers:\nAlexi Drew\, Postdoctoral Researcher\, King’s College\, London\nJohanna Polle\, Researcher\, Research Area Arms Control and Emerging Technologies\,\nInstitute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH)\nFederico Variola\, PhD Candidate\, School of International Relations and Public Affairs\n(SIRPA) at Fudan University\, Shanghai \nNon-Proliferation and Arms Control in Asia\nChair:\nNévine Schepers\, Research Associate\, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)\,\nLondon \nSpeakers:\nMaimuna Ashraf\, Research Officer\, Center for International Strategic Studies\,\nIslamabad\nKanica Rakhra\, Consultant\, Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division\n(D&ISA)\, Ministry of External Affairs of India\, New Delhi\nElizabeth Yeseul Woo\, Developing Scholar\, Hudson Institute\, Washington D.C.\nSayaka Shingu\, Assistant Director\, Arms Control and Disarmament Division\, Disarmament\nNon-proliferation and Science\, Department\, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA)\,\nTokyo \nIllicit Trade of Conventional Arms\, including SALW\nChair:\nGiovanna Maletta\, Researcher\, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) \nSpeakers:\nLiat Biron\, CEO\, Forum for Regional Thinking\, Tel Aviv\nMaria Camello\, Researcher\, Group for Research and Information on Peace and\nSecurity (GRIP)\, Bruxelles\nMartha Mariana Mendoza Basulto\, International Relations Officer\, Agency for the\nProhibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Carribean (OPANAL)\, Mexico City \nNon-Proliferation and Arms Control in the Middle East\nChair:\nFederica Dall’Arche\, Researcher\, Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI)\, Rome \nSpeakers:\nMaximilian Hoell\, Policy Fellow and Project Manager\, European Leadership Network\,\nLondon\nSelim Can Sazak\, Resident Fellow\, Delma Institute\, Abu Dhabi \nConcluding Remarks\nSibylle Bauer\, Chair\, EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Consortium /Director of\nStudies\, Armament and Disarmament (SIPRI)\nGeorgios Kritikos\, Deputy Head of Disarmament\, Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Division\,\nEuropean External Action Service (EEAS) URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/next-generation-workshop-12-december-2019/ CATEGORIES:Next generation workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/image1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20191209T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20191209T190000 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20191216T095758Z LAST-MODIFIED:20191216T095758Z UID:8850-1575878400-1575918000@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Security\, Safety\, Sustainability: Promoting Good Behaviour in Outer Space DESCRIPTION:Security\, Safety\, Sustainability: Promoting Good Behaviour in Outer Space \nObjective: Exchange of views and information on national\, regional and global initiatives to promote the preservation of safe\, secure and sustainable space environment and the peaceful use of outer space on an equitable and mutually acceptable basis\, with a view to feed into a voluntary instrument to establish standards of responsible behaviour across the full range of space activities and related challenges. \n  \n08:45 – 09:00 Introduction and Welcoming Remarks \nCarine Claeys\, Special Envoy for Space\, European External Action Service \nXavier Pasco\, Director\, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique\, France \n  \n09:00 – 11:00 Session 1: The Legal and Political Environment \nChair: Sergio Marchisio\, Chairman\, European Centre for Space Law \nSpeakers: \n–              Nathalie Le Cam\, policy and legal officer\, Space Task Force\, European External Action Service \n–              Andre João Rypl\, Chair\, UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space\, Brazil \n–              David Kuan-Wei Chen\, Executive Director\, McGill Centre for Research in Air and Space Law\, Canada \n–              Daniel Porras\, Space Security Fellow\, UNIDIR \n  \n11:00 – 11:15 Coffee break \n  \n11:15 – 13:00 Session 2: National Policies and International Implications \nChair: Petr Havlik\, Space Policy Officer\, Space Task Force\, European External Action Service \nSpeakers: \n–              Xavier Pasco\, Director\, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique\, France \n–              Mariel Borowitz\, Assistant Professor\, Georgia Institute of Technology\, USA \n–              Shang Zhen\, Councellor and Legal Advisor\, Mission of China to the EU \n  \n13:00 – 14:00 Lunch \n  \n14:15 – 16:15 Session 3: Knowledge and Monitoring of the Space Environment \nChair: Jana Robinson\, Space Security Program Director\, The Prague Security Studies Institute \nSpeakers: \n–              Sabine Lecrenier\, HoU Space policy\, European Commission \n–              Daniel Oltrogge\, Director\, Center for Space Standards and Innovation\, Analytical Graphics\, Inc.\, USA \n–              Christine Leurquin\, VP\, Institutional Relations\, SES SA\, Belgium \n–              Jean-François Bureau\, Vice-President\, Eutelsat\, France \n  \n16:15 – 16:30 Coffee break \n  \n16:30 – 18:30 Session 4: Challenges and Opportunities for International Regulation \nChair: Paul Wohrer\, Research fellow\, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique\, France \nSpeakers: \n–              Patricia Lewis\, Research Director\, Chatham House\, UK \n–              Niklas Hedman\, Chief\, UNOOSA’s Committee\, Policy and Legal Affairs Section \n–              Regina Peldszus\, Co-Chair\, EU SST Consortium \n–              Jean-Jacques Tortora\, Director\, European Space Policy Institute\, Austria \n–              Smita Jha\, Senior Partner\, Mazars\, India \n  \n18:30 – 18:40 \nConcluding Remarks \nBenjamin Hautecouverture\, Senior research fellow\, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique\, France \nGeorgios Kritikos\, Deputy Head of Disarmament\, Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Division\, European External Action Service URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/security-safety-sustainability-promoting-good-behaviour-in-outer-space/ CATEGORIES:Ad Hoc Seminars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ELVlWEWXYAU9zP4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20190921T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20190921T170000 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20211215T092718Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230630T102333Z UID:11300-1569052800-1569085200@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Arms Control and Nonproliferation: Contemporary Challenges DESCRIPTION:Richard Cupitt\nGeorge Mason University\nFall 2019\nThe United States and many other countries have identified the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as the gravest threat to international peace and national security\, but the international efforts to slow\, halt\, or reverse the spread of these weapons and their means of delivery have been under intense strain in recent years. The course explores these nonproliferation regimes and the many challenges they face. \n\nLevel: Postgraduate\nDownload Syllabus URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/arms-control-and-nonproliferation-contemporary-challenges/ CATEGORIES:Syllabi,Syllabi Collection END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190912 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190914 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20180915T141023Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T090407Z UID:7683-1568246400-1568419199@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:The UN Disarmament Fellows’ Visits DESCRIPTION:The European Union (EU) Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium is tasked with arranging the visit of the United Nations (UN) Programme of Fellowships on Disarmament to Brussels\, Belgium. The Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) organises the two-to-three-day visit which aims to familiarise participants with the structure and functions of the EU’s main institutions and policy-making bodies\, as well as the EU’s strategies and policies in the field. \nLaunched by the General Assembly in 1978 at its first special session devoted to disarmament\, the UN Programme of Fellowships on Disarmament aims to train and build the capacity of officials from UN Member States to enable them to participate more effectively in international disarmament deliberating and negotiating fora. Since its inception in 1979\, participants in the Fellowship Programme are selected by the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) based on nominations from Member States. The selection process considers the greater needs of developing countries by training their young diplomats in the field of disarmament and security\, and the need for geographical and gender balance. Many participants of the programme have held positions of responsibility in the field of disarmament within their governments and disarmament-related international organisations. \nClick on the arrows to expand the sections. \n  \n\n▶ UN Disarmament Fellows: EU-Focused Day in Vienna – April 2025\n\nOn 10 April 2025\, the VCDNP\, on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC)\, was pleased to organise and host a one-day programme in Vienna to provide the 2025 UN Disarmament Fellows with an overview of the policies and functioning of the European Union (EU)\, in particular related to non-proliferation and disarmament. The 24 UN Disarmament Fellows represented countries from around the world\, with this year’s cohort including only one EU Member State representative. \nThe intensive programme brought together speakers from the EU Delegation in Vienna\, representatives from the European External Action Service (EEAS)\, and the EU Commission in person and virtually\, as well as members of the EUNPDC network. Ambassador Carl Hallergard\, EU Ambassador to the International Organisations in Vienna\, welcomed the Fellows and provided remarks reflecting on Europe’s history\, the establishment of the European Union\, and the challenges Europe faces today. These themes were seen throughout the programme. \n\n \nEU Ambassador in Vienna Carl Hallergard and VCDNP Executive Director Elena K. Sokova with the UN Disarmament Fellows \n\nFollowing welcome remarks\, the programme commenced with an overview of the key EU institutions\, covering in detail the European Council\, the Council of the EU\, the European Commission\, and the European Parliament. Subsequent sessions focused on thematic areas\, including the European Union’s approach to space security\, emerging technologies and arms control\, and export controls on arms and dual-use items. \nThe programme concluded with a presentation from EUNPDC network member Dr. Oliver Meier\, Policy & Research Director at the European Leadership Network\, focused on Europe and the European Union in today’s changing world. \nThe highlight of the programme was the opportunity for the Fellows to engage in an in-person\, informal dialogue with EEAS Special Envoy for Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Ambassador Stephan Klement. The session covered topics across the weapons of mass destruction (WMD) spectrum\, the EU’s 2003 WMD strategy\, and the EU’s role in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. \nThe interactive dialogue allowed for an open and frank conversation about the EU’s position in the non-proliferation and disarmament field and the challenges today’s geopolitical environment presents. \n\n \nEU Special Envoy for Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Stephan Klement and VCDNP Executive Director Elena K. Sokova \n\nThe one-day EU-focused programme in Vienna was packed with dynamic presentations\, active Q&A sessions\, and positive feedback from the participants. \nThe VCDNP extends its gratitude to the European External Action Service and the EU Delegation in Vienna for their support and cooperation in organising the programme\, and thanks the European Union for its support to the EUNPDC for making the event possible. \n\n\n  \n\n▶ UN Disarmament Fellows Visit to Brussels – June 2024\n\nFrom 18 to 19 June 2024\, the VCDNP\, on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC)\, organised a visit for the 2024 UN Disarmament Fellows to Brussels\, Belgium\, to learn more about the policies and functioning of the European Union\, in particular on non-proliferation and disarmament. \nThe group of 25 Fellows\, representing countries from around the world\, travel to various centres of international disarmament and non-proliferation\, including Geneva\, Vienna\, and New York\, to gather insights about the work of the international organisations and to gain a better understanding of issues relevant to non-proliferation and disarmament. \n\n \nUN Disarmament Fellows and VCDNP staff visiting the EU Council \n\nThe programme in Brussels commenced on 18 June with a tour of the EU Council\, to learn about one of the key legislative branches of the European Union and how decisions are made in the EU. Following the tour\, participants proceeded to the European External Action Service (EEAS)\, where Deputy Head of the Division for Disarmament\, Non-Proliferation and Arms Export Controls Mr. Stefan Tressing welcomed them. The Fellows were introduced to the work of the Division and of other policy-making organs in the EU working on non-proliferation and disarmament matters\, as well as the EU’s overall approach to these issues. \nFollowing Mr. Tressing’s remarks\, the work of the Council Working Party on Arms Export Control (COARM) and Council Working Party on Non-Proliferation (CONOP) was discussed. The day ended with presentations from representatives of the EU institutions and EUNPDC network on outer space and emerging technologies\, including artificial intelligence. The UN Disarmament Fellows were also given the opportunity to hear from a representative of NATO on its work in arms control\, disarmament\, and weapons of mass destruction non-proliferation. \n\n \nUN Disarmament Fellows receiving presentations at the European External Action Service \n\nOn the second day\, the UN Disarmament Fellows visited the European Parliament. The tour was timely given the recent European Parliament elections that took place in early June 2024. The visit explained the Parliament’s structure and functioning\, its co-legislative role together with the EU Council\, and how decisions are made. After the visit\, the Fellows heard thematic presentations covering a range of topics from cyber security\, missile defence\, and illicit arms trafficking\, to the role of the EU Joint Research Centre and a review of Belgium’s presidency of the EU Council. An overview of the history\, structure\, and activities of the EUNPDC was provided as well. \n\n \nUN Disarmament Fellows and VCDNP staff visiting the EU Council \n\nAt the end of the programme an anonymous survey was circulated. Overall\, the participants found the programme to be very good and useful. A selection of comments is posted below (quoted as written): \n“The session helped me to understand the role of the EU in the realm of non-proliferation and disarmament.” \n“It was an excellent introduction to the work that EU is doing in regards to Disarmament and non-proliferation. I had very little knowledge prior but this visit has set a good base that I will build on.” \n“It was extremely useful for a better understanding of the rules and functioning process of the main European institutions.” \nThe VCDNP extends its gratitude to the European External Action Service and the EU Council for their support and cooperation in organising the visit\, made possible thanks to the generous support of the European Union for the EUNPDC. \n\n\n  \n\n▶ The UN Disarmament Fellows’ Visit to Brussels – September 2023\n\nFrom 13 to 15 September 2023\, the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP)\, on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC)\, organised a visit to the seat of the European policy organs in Brussels for participants of the United Nations Programme of Fellowships on Disarmament. \nBrowse the visit’s programme here. \n\n \nUN Fellows and VCDNP staff at the European External Action Service with Marjolijn van Deelen (in green) \n\nThe visit of the UN Disarmament Fellows to Brussels\, which has taken place every year since 2018\, is aimed at introducing participants to the EU’s decision-making processes and policies on disarmament and non-proliferation. \nThis year\, the programme started with a visit to the European External Action Service (EEAS)\, where the Fellows were welcomed by Amb. Marjolijn van Deelen\, EU Special Envoy for Non-Proliferation and Disarmament. \n\n \n\nAt the EEAS\, the Fellows gained insights into the EU’s extensive involvement in international security\, non-proliferation\, and disarmament matters\, including countering the spread of weapons of mass destruction\, coordinating arms and dual-use export controls\, and formulating policies on outer space. Presentations were delivered by EEAS and European Commission experts from different offices. \n\n \nJose Torres\, Policy Officer in the Directorate General for Trade of the European Commission delivering a presentation \n\nFollowing briefings at the EEAS\, fellows were offered a guided tour of the Council premises where a wide array of significant events\, including EU summits\, multilateral summits\, and ministerial meetings are held. \nThe second day of the visit was dedicated to thematic presentations from experts at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs\, NATO\, and the EUNPDC Network. \nEirini Lemos-Maniati\, Deputy Director of the Arms Control\, Disarmament\, and WMD Non-Proliferation Centre\, briefed the Fellows on NATO’s work in the field; Sigurd Schelstraete\, Director of Disarmament and Non-Proliferation at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs\, offered a national perspective; and Dr. Sybille Bauer\, Chair of the EUNPD Consortium\, provided an overview of the Consortium’s history\, structure\, goals\, and activities. \n\n \n\nRaluca Csernatoni\, Louis Reitmann\, and Clémence Poirier\, respectively researchers at Carnegie Europe\, the VCDNP\, and the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) and members of the EUNPDC Network\, provided insights on artificial intelligence\, the value of diversity for nuclear weapons policy\, as well as ballistic missile proliferation and cybersecurity. \n\n \n\nFellows were then offered tours of the Parlamentarium and the House of European History\, where they learned about the complexity and the decades-long processes that led to the creation of the European Union as well as the structure and functions of the EU policy-making bodies. \n\n \nUN Fellows and VCDNP staff at the European Council \n\nThe VCDNP would like to extend its gratitude to the EEAS and the EU Council for their generous support and cooperation in organizing this visit. \n\n\n  URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/un-fellowships-on-disarmament/ CATEGORIES:Education Programmes,UN disarmament fellows visit to Brussels ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/6.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190611 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190613 DTSTAMP:20260603T034655 CREATED:20190509T202236Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190623T185013Z UID:8261-1560211200-1560383999@nonproliferation.eu SUMMARY:Eighth EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consultative Meeting DESCRIPTION:The Eighth Consultative Meeting of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (EUNPD) Consortium was held in Brussels (Breydel building) on 11 and 12 June 2019. \nThis year’s debates addressed six current and future challenges: Missile proliferation and new tools and initiatives to fight against it\, the renewal of arms control thinking towards outer space\, the increasing nuclear and ballistic challenges in North East Asia\, including the nuclear crisis in the Korean peninsula since the Singapore summit in May 2018\, the future of strategic arms control and the role the EU in the future of security architecture in Europe\, new technologies and arms control\, including artificial intelligence\, and the study and definition of hybrid warfare and cyber risks. \nWhile the beginning of our century has been characterised by the deconstruction of a significant part of the arms control architecture developed in the post-Cold War years\, European countries find themselves in a paradoxical situation: The EU has become a global actor in non-proliferation and disarmament since the adoption of the 2003 Common Strategy; at the same time\, security within Europe’s borders has been attacked in such a way that today’s collective European security frameworks are fragile. \nIn this context\, this Eighth Consultative Meeting of the EUNPD Consortium was a privileged opportunity to collectively rethink what multilateral arms control can bring to European security interests. \n  \nFive interviews were conducted on the margins of the Eighth Consultative Meeting.\nWith :\n• Benjamin Hautecouverture\, Head\, Arms control and Technologies programme\, FRS\n• Jacek Bylica\, Principal Adviser and Special Envoy for Non-proliferation and Disarmament\, EEAS\n• Renata Dwan\, Director\, UNIDIR\n• Frank Meeussen\, Policy Officer\, Conventional arms export control\, EEAS\n• Névine Schepers\, Research Associate\, Non-Proliferation and Nuclear Policy programme\, IISS \nAgenda\nTuesday\, 11 June 2019\n14:45 – 15:15\nRegistration \n15:15 – 15:30\nWelcome and introduction to the meeting \n15:30 – 17:00\nDealing with missile proliferation: tools\, approaches\, initiatives \n17:00-18:30\nArms control in outer space \n19:15 Dinner \nWednesday\, 12 June 2019\n08:15 – 08:45\nRegistration \n08:45 – 10:45\nProliferation challenges in North East Asia \n10:45 – 11:00 Coffee break \n11:00 – 13:00\nThe future of strategic arms control \n13:00 – 14:00 Lunch \n14:00 – 16:00\nNew technologies and their implications for arms control (including LAWS and AI) \n16:00 – 16:15 Coffee break \n16:15 – 18:15\nHybrid warfare\, cyber risks and threats and arms control \n18:15 – 18:30\nConcluding remarks \n  URL:https://nonproliferation.eu/evenement/heighth-consultative-meeting/ LOCATION:Breydel Building\, Auditorium - 45\, Avenue d'Auderghem\, Brussels\, 1040\, Belgium CATEGORIES:Consultative Meetings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nonproliferation.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/photos.00_00_34_18.Still023.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR