OPCW and UNODA partner to bridge gap between scientists and policymakers
The OPCW and UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) held their first joint workshop on policy and diplomacy for scientists from 26–29 May 2026 at the OPCW ChemTech Centre in The Hague, bringing together 25 chemists and biologists from 24 countries. Funded by Norway and Armenia, the workshop aimed to close the gap between scientists and policymakers and promote the ethical, responsible use of science across the Chemical and Biological Weapons Conventions, reflecting the growing convergence of chemical and biological risks. Read More…
How is AI transforming chemistry — and why should chemical industry professionals keep up?
The OPCW held its 2026 Seoul Workshop on the Peaceful Development and Use of Chemistry from 14–16 April 2026 in Seoul, Republic of Korea, bringing together 21 experts from 18 countries. For the first time, the workshop focused on AI applications in chemistry and the chemical industry and expanded participation beyond Asia to all OPCW regions. Participants explored AI-driven innovations alongside the dual-use risks they pose, reinforcing the need to harness AI responsibly while ensuring chemistry continues to serve exclusively peaceful purposes. Read More…
OPCW examines how drone technology changes global chemical security landscape
The OPCW held a two-day technical workshop on 22–23 April 2026 at its ChemTech Centre in The Hague, bringing together 17 experts in law enforcement, science, counter-terrorism, and industry to examine how drone (UAV) technology is reshaping the chemical security landscape. Funded by the European Union, the workshop explored the dual-use nature of drones—both the risk of non-State actors converging chemical and drone weaponisation, and the technology’s potential to support OPCW field operations as a reconnaissance and safety tool. The event reflected the OPCW’s broader commitment to monitoring emerging technologies to keep the Chemical Weapons Convention effective in a rapidly changing environment. Read More…
OPCW and Malaysia launch pilot hands-on training to strengthen chemical industry inspections
The OPCW and Malaysia held a pilot hands-on training from 22–24 April 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, bringing together 33 government officials and industry representatives from 11 countries to strengthen chemical industry inspections under Article VI of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The first in-person Article VI training since 2022, it grouped countries with similar chemical industry profiles and featured a mock inspection exercise at an operational industrial facility, allowing participants to apply real-world inspection procedures. The training reflects the OPCW’s wider efforts to tailor implementation support, enhance cooperation with industry, and ensure chemistry is used only for peaceful purposes. Read More…
