[Training programme] Disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

From 30 September - 4 October 2019, the OPCW and T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague will host the tenth training programme on disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

During this intensive week, participants will be provided with a comprehensive overview of non-proliferation and disarmament efforts regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction. The programme content is delivered by a group of experienced and internationally renowned experts and diplomats in the fields of international law, security and related disciplines.

When: 30 September - 4 October 2019
Language: English
Duration: 5 days
Fee: €1495

Key topics: Chemical weapons, nuclear weapons, biological weapons; arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament agreements; export controls and verification mechanisms; international law and diplomacy; geopolitical developments. 

Target group: The training programme is designed for early- to mid-career professionals working for governments, for example national export control bodies, national authorities for the implementation of WMD-related treaties and agreements and national nuclear agencies. Individuals working for non-governmental organisations, think tanks addressing WMD issues and research centres in related disciplines are also invited to apply.

Course aim: The WMD training programme offers participants the chance to discuss various aspects of the issue with renowned experts in an interactive and multi-disciplinary way. The programme includes interactive lectures and panels, a simulation exercise on export controls, and field visits to the OPCW Headquarters and Laboratory as well as to a nuclear research reactor.

Participants will gain:

•          Hands-on knowledge of the diplomatic, legal and technical aspects of disarmament and non-proliferation;
•          Insight into the work of key professionals in the area of WMD, seasoned with their personal experiences; and
•          Unique networking opportunities with speakers and participants from diverse backgrounds.

See this year's programme here.

After this training course, you will receive a professional certificate of completion from the T.M.C. Asser Instituut.

Background
Weapons of Mass Destruction have re-entered the international political stage in recent years. After many years in which there was relatively little attention for these weapons and the agreements dealing with them, chemical weapons were used in Syria, Malaysia and the United Kingdom, and nuclear weapons returned in political rhetoric and arms races as if the Cold War has never ended. Arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament initiatives came under pressure due to increasing international tensions. How to understand and deal with these new dynamics?

The annual Training Programme on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (“WMD Training Programme”) organised by the T.M.C Asser Instituut and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) offers in-depth knowledge on this topic.

Fees:
The fee for this training is €1495. This fee includes lectures, study materials, study visits, water/tea/coffee and lunch during working days, a reception and an opening dinner.

The fee does not cover (international) travel costs, domestic travel to and from airports, (hotel) accommodation, insurance or other expenses. The T.M.C. Asser Instituut can provide prospective participants with a list of suitable hotels in The Hague.

OPCW offers four civil society scholarships (Closed)
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, with funding support from the European Union, offers four competitive scholarships for civil society representatives. Candidates must be currently employed at a non-governmental organisation, a think-tank, a research or academic institution, or an independent public institution and working on issues related to the goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
The scholarships cover the tuition fee, international travel costs, basic medical insurance, and a generous allowance to cover accommodation and food expenses.
For more information on the selection criteria, eligibility and documents required follow this link.
Applications for this scholarship are closed. We no longer accept submissions.

Five fully funded scholarships by the MFA (Closed) 
The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs has offered to fund five full scholarships to candidates working in the field of (or related to) WMDs who are nationals of and working in one of the countries mentioned in the list of Low/Lower-Middle Income Economies of the World Bank.
The scholarships include tuition fee, international travel, accommodation, per diem allowance and medical insurance.
For more information and eligibility requirements follow this link.
Applications for this scholarship are closed. We no longer accept submissions.

Registration and questions:
Due to maximum capacity, registration for this training programme has closed.
If you missed the deadline but still interested in signing up, send an email to educationtraining@asser.nl to be on a VIP list for next year’s training programme. Please read the registration terms & conditions carefully.

Reviews of the 2018 WMD training programme: