Press Releases: U.S. Department of State Hosts Forum on Reinforcing the Global Norm Against Chemical Weapons
Media Note
On June 20, the U.S. Department of State hosted a high-level forum entitled, “The Chemical Weapons Convention 1997-2017: Progress, Challenges, and Reinforcing the Global Norm against Chemical Weapons.”
Since its entry into force 20 years ago, the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)—with 192 States Parties— has verified the destruction of approximately 95 percent of all declared chemical weapons stockpiles, and thereby made a significant contribution to making our world a safer place. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the CWC’s implementing body, has facilitated the destruction of chemical weapons in Albania, China, Iraq, Libya, Russia, Syria, and the United States – among others. Nonetheless, the international community’s work is far from done, and serious challenges remain.
The day-long event at the U.S. Department of State examined the progress made and lessons learned in the two decades since the CWC’s entry into force, and participants discussed strategies to meet ongoing and future challenges.
U.S. National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster provided keynote remarks. Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Director-General Ahmet Uzumcu also participated in the event and offered remarks.
For more information on the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, visit www.state.gov/t/avc.