Opening Remarks at the Twenty-First Session of the Advisory Board on Education and Outreach

Distinguished Chairperson,

Distinguished Members and Observers of the Advisory Board,

Dear Colleagues,

It is a pleasure to welcome you to the Twenty-First Session of the Advisory Board on Education and Outreach (ABEO).

At the outset, I would like to thank you for your continued commitment to the work of the Organisation.

Your generosity in sharing your time and knowledge is greatly appreciated.

The diverse expertise you provide contributes directly to strengthening the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Fostering a culture of responsibility among scientists, educators, students, and future leaders is an essential part of ensuring that chemistry is used exclusively for peaceful purposes.

Distinguished members,

The Chemical Weapons Convention remains one of the most successful multilateral disarmament instruments.

The completion of the destruction of the last stockpiled chemical weapons in July 2023 marked the beginning of a new phase for the Convention.

In this new post-destruction phase, the Technical Secretariat has been deepening its focus on preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons.

The volatile international security environment, and the documented instances of use of chemical weapons in recent years, including by non-State actors, have posed new challenges.

Such challenges are compounded by rapid and accelerating scientific and technological developments.

Advances in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and data science have the potential to bring enormous benefits to society.

However, they also lower the technical barriers for developing or using chemical weapons, for States and non-State actors alike.

The OPCW recognises the importance of anticipating the potential impact of these developments on the implementation of the Convention, and of proactively mitigating the risks they pose, addressing issues of governance, ethics, and risk management.

The recent report from the Scientific Advisory Board's Temporary Working Group on Artificial Intelligence emphasises the importance of this approach.

This necessitates strong engagement with all stakeholders, and the role of ABEO is critical in this regard.

Promoting ethical conduct, strengthening responsible science, and supporting informed decision-making are essential to ensuring that scientific progress remains aligned with the objectives of the Convention.

To this end, I welcome ABEO's initiative to develop the Guidance Note on Ethical Considerations Related to the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Chemical Disarmament Education.

The Secretariat looks forward to receiving this resource, which will serve as a practical learning tool for educators, students, researchers, and institutions worldwide.

Most importantly, this Guidance Note has the potential to become a significant educational resource that extends beyond the OPCW's community and contributes to international discourse on responsible science and emerging technologies.

Distinguished members,

The recent initiative on ethical considerations related to AI is not the only area where this Board has demonstrated its ability to translate emerging issues into practical recommendations and educational initiatives.

I am encouraged by the progress achieved in the Board's thematic working groups during the Twentieth session of the ABEO and in the intersessional period.

The review of the ABEO Strategic Plan ensures that the Board remains focused on areas where it can provide the greatest value to the Organisation and States Parties.

The work on the Blue Book continues to support an important resource that helps promote the OPCW's Centre for Chemistry and Technology as a Centre of Excellence.

We are sincerely grateful for the contributions of ABEO members across all these areas.

Distinguished members,

As many of you know, at the end of this month, I will be stepping down as Deputy Director-General.

Over the past years, I have had the privilege of engaging with you on numerous occasions and witnessing first-hand your dedication, professionalism, and expertise.

Your ability to bring together diverse perspectives and transform them into constructive recommendations for the Organisation is invaluable.

For this, I would like to express my sincere gratitude.

As I reflect on my tenure, I remain convinced that education and outreach are essential investments in the future of the Convention.

Over the next three days, I encourage you to make full use of this session, engaging in constructive dialogue, innovative thinking, and forward-looking advice.

I wish you productive discussions and much success in your work.

Thank you for your kind attention.

I wish you all the very best.