Image source: opcw
On November 8, 2024, the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) held discussions with the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs on issues surrounding chemical weapons use in Syria.
This meeting took place during the first global conference on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in advancing the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), hosted in Morocco. At the conference, OPCW Director-General Ambassador Fernando Arias met with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.
The discussions centered on global security developments, with particular focus on the ongoing threats related to the use of chemical weapons in Syria and Ukraine. Director-General Arias briefed Minister Bourita on the OPCW’s priorities for the coming years, emphasizing the importance of achieving the universal adoption of the CWC and preventing the resurgence of chemical weapons.
Both officials also underscored the significant impact that rapid advancements in science and technology have on the effective implementation of the Convention. Director Arias highlighted that in the coming period, the OPCW plans to explore both the benefits and risks associated with AI in reinforcing the prevention of chemical weapons proliferation, aiming to establish a proactive approach in this evolving field.
The groundbreaking conference on AI’s role in enhancing the CWC’s implementation took place in Rabat from October 22 to 24, 2024. Organized by the OPCW in collaboration with Morocco, and with support from several OPCW member states including Qatar, France, Germany, South Korea, China, the United Kingdom, and Northern Ireland, the event gathered 200 participants, including policymakers, scientific experts, and industry leaders.
