1. OPCW and China Advance Responsible Use of AI for Chemical Safety and Security
The OPCW and the Government of China co-organised an international workshop in Hangzhou focused on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in chemical safety and security. Bringing together 43 participants from 28 OPCW Member States, the workshop explored AI governance, risk management, industrial safety applications, and safeguards against potential misuse. The initiative highlights the importance of international cooperation and human oversight as AI technologies continue to advance.
2. OPCW Director-General Addresses the 113th Session of the Executive Council
In her opening statement, OPCW Director-General Sabrina Dallafior highlighted the importance of multilateral cooperation in preventing chemical weapons use and ensuring compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. Key issues included ongoing work in Syria and Ukraine, industry inspections, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and financial pressures affecting the Organisation’s operations. She also called on Member States to meet their financial obligations to safeguard the OPCW’s continued work.
3. OPCW Director-General Meets with Panama’s Foreign Minister
OPCW Director-General Sabrina Dallafior met with Panama’s Foreign Minister, Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez, to discuss implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and regional capacity-building in Latin America and the Caribbean. Discussions highlighted initiatives such as CHEMEX GRULAC and the Global Congress on Chemical Security and Emerging Threats, which support the development of knowledge, expertise, and operational capabilities to address chemical threats.
4. OPCW Director-General Visits Syria to Strengthen Cooperation on Chemical Weapons
During her visit to Damascus, OPCW Director-General Sabrina Dallafior met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to discuss progress in locating and eliminating remnants of Syria’s former chemical weapons programme. Both sides acknowledged the first verified destruction of chemical weapons in August 2026 and expressed their commitment to continued cooperation. The OPCW reaffirmed its focus on identifying remaining chemical weapons and preventing their proliferation.
5. OPCW Director-General Meets Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
On 16 October, OPCW Director-General Sabrina Dallafior met Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Radosław Sikorski, at OPCW headquarters in The Hague. Discussions focused on progress in Syria and the OPCW’s technical support for Ukraine’s national investigation into the presence of CS riot control agent along confrontation lines. The meeting reaffirmed Poland’s support for the Organisation’s mission and the importance of upholding the international prohibition on chemical weapons use in warfare.
