The Associate Programme of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has bolstered the national implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) for the last 23 years and is now accepting applications for its 2023 session.
The Programme's uniquely focussed and immersive approach is designed for chemists and chemical engineers from Member States with economies that are developing or in transition. During the nine-week course, participants enhance their knowledge of the CWC and develop skills in the fields of chemical engineering, integrated chemical management, and chemical and security within the context of the chemical industry.
The intense residential programme combines theoretical and practical segments, with a focus on chemical safety and security, chemical business operations and group research projects with mentorship by OPCW staff members. A portion of the training takes place at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, with the university segment and industrial attachments held at different Member States.
Programme costs, including travel, accommodation, meals, course fees, and medical and travel insurance are covered by OPCW.
For many participants the Associate Programme is a steppingstone on their career path in fields that uphold the Chemical Weapons Convention nationally and internationally. To date the 545 Associate Programme alumni are spread around the world, working in industry, government, academia, and even at the OPCW Technical Secretariat to ensure that chemistry is used exclusively for peaceful purposes.
Regional statements by participants drew attention to the holistic impact of the programme. Ms Lilit Poghosyan of Armenia, representing the Eastern European region stated: "[The programme] has given us an immeasurable of practical knowledge about the CWC, the main principles and activities of the chemical industry and how to create thinking environments in our workplaces."
Mr. Louie Intalan of the Philippines described the richness of the programme, stating: "… we were trained to be better listeners, communicators, and leaders," while Ms. Janaiba Saneeh of the Gambia noted the programme's role in gender mainstreaming and providing support to African region: "The high representation of women in this programme is a step [in the right direction] towards breaking gender barriers in chemistry." In 2022, the Associate Programme had participants from the following Member States: Argentina, Armenia, Belarus, Botswana, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.
The 2023 Associate Programme will take place from 21 July to 22 September 2023 and is now open for applications
