UNDP SEESAC Participates in the Regional Workshop on the Implementation of the UNSC Resolution 1540

On 9-10 May, a Regional Workshop on the Implementation of the UNSC Resolution 1540 was hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia with the support of the Conflict Prevention Center of the OSCE Secretariat, the United Nations Office for Disarmament (UNODA) and UNDP SEESAC.

The UNSC Resolution 1540 affirms that the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery constitute a threat to international peace and security. The resolution obliges States, inter alia, to refrain from supporting by any means non-State actors from developing, acquiring, manufacturing, possessing, transporting, transferring or using nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their delivery systems.

The workshop was envisaged as an opportunity for the countries in South East Europe to exchange experiences, effective practices and means to implementing the UN SC Resolution 1540, with a particular focus on building necessary capacities.  

Ambassador Branka Latinovic, Head of the Arms Control Directorate at Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed guests from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia and a number of international and regional organizations dealing with the issue. She familiarized participants with Serbia’s path towards complying with the Resolution and informed all that Serbia has adopted a 1540 implementation National Action Plan, and that a Working Group overseeing its implementation has been established in January 2013.

On behalf of the UNDP, Dr. Ivan Zverzhanovski - UNDP SEESAC Coordinator, underlined the importance of a regional approach to tackling common problems in the area of security and applauded the Republic of Serbia for taking the lead in the region in promoting safety and security, including through its engagement on the issue of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons proliferation. (Read Dr. Zverzhanovski's opening address)

Mr. Vasyl Pokotylo, the Forum for Security Cooperation (FSC) Chairperson’s Coordinator on Non-Proliferation Issues and a member the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the OSCE addressed the participants on behalf of the OSCE. He underscored OSCE’s commitment to pushing the envelope with regards to the implementation of the UN SC Resolution 1540 and assisting OSCE member states in their endeavors towards this goal. Mr. Anton Martyniuk, from the OSCE Conflict Prevention Center emphasized the importance of building networks and capacities.

Mr. Nils Schmieder, Associate Political Affairs Officer at the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) spoke about the Agency’s role in facilitating the implementation of the UNSC Resolution 1540 on both national and regional levels.

The opening statements were followed by detailed presentations on current developments given by all participating countries and directly involved organizations. The second day was dedicated to addressing the issue of capacity – building with particular emphasis on technical and other forms assistance related to the implementation of the Resolution.