OPCW Director-General Candidates Respond to CWCC Questionnaire on Civil Society
Image: OPCW Flickr
4 October 2025
Member states of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will soon be voting on a new Director-General to lead the organization over the next four years. Voting will take place at the 110th meeting of the OPCW Executive Council from 7-10 October and the nominee will be confirmed at the 30th Conference of States Parties held from 24-28 November 2025 in The Hague.
The CWC Coalition reached out to all of the candidates to ask them their views on civil society participation in the CWC. Below are the responses from the three candidates who have responded to date.
Ambassador Andrés Terán Parral of Ecuador
1. As Director-General, what do you anticipate your priorities regarding public outreach and engagement with the public will be?
As Director-General, I would place public diplomacy at the heart of the OPCW’s work. Clear, accessible, and proactive communication of the Organization’s mission and achievements is essential to raise awareness about the dangers of chemical weapons, the importance of disarmament, and the vital role of the OPCW itself.
Through strategic outreach, the OPCW must remain visible and relatable, engaging with civil society, media, academia, youth, and the private sector. This not only counters misinformation but also builds public ownership of the mandate, reinforcing the OPCW as both a technical body and a pillar of global security.
Effective public diplomacy will also bring tangible benefits: attracting political support, voluntary contributions, and diverse talent. To this end, I propose launching a “Model OPCW,” inspired by the “Model UN,” to engage youth and cultivate future leaders that know and understand the importance of the OPCW’s mandate.
Finally, meaningful public engagement can support universality by encouraging non-State Parties to join the Convention by strengthening regional dialogue. Public diplomacy is therefore not just a communications tool but a driver for advancing the Organization’s core objectives.
2. What role can civil society play in advancing the goal of a world free from chemical weapons?
The role of civil society in any international organization is fundamental, as it embodies representation beyond governments. Civil society gives voice to citizens, vulnerable groups, and communities that might otherwise remain unheard. It also plays a key role in monitoring the actions of States, thereby promoting accountability and transparency.
Within the OPCW, civil society contributes significantly to advancing the shared goal of a world free of chemical weapons. Its role goes beyond acting as a bridge between non-governmental actors and States Parties. By engaging in outreach and education, civil society helps raise public awareness about the OPCW’s mandate and achievements, serving as a vital link between the Organization and the global public.
3. What issues, if any, do you see regarding civil society’s participation in the OPCW?
A potential challenge regarding the participation of civil society in the OPCW lies in the fact that the focus of some organizations may be primarily political, whereas the OPCW is, by its very design, a technical body. While it is virtually impossible to completely rid discussions from political considerations, it remains essential to keep the Organization’s technical integrity and ensure that deliberations remain anchored in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
4. How could the TS’s actions be enhanced to better engage civil society?
The Technical Secretariat should seek partnerships with civil society to engage in ways that reinforce, rather than detract from, the OPCW’s mandate. This includes encouraging input that offers technical expertise, support public outreach, and enhance understanding of the Convention, leaving political agendas aside. By fostering this type of collaboration, the Organization can benefit from the strengths of civil society’s participation without compromising its strictly technical character.
This can be achieved by promoting civil society’s active participation in relevant fora, giving them the opportunity to share their perspectives, and allowing both States Parties and the Secretariat to engage with their concerns constructively.
5. How should the OPCW and civil society raise awareness of the long-term humanitarian consequences and suffering of survivors of chemical weapons?
A coordinated approach between the Technical Secretariat and civil society is key to highlighting the long-term humanitarian impact of chemical weapons. Through a partnership between the OPCW’s Technical Secretariat and civil society organizations, we can convey a strong a[nd] united message.
By encouraging contributions by civil society that focus on expertise, capacity-building and public education, civil society can complement and amplify the work of the Organization, becoming instrumental to expand its reach and impact. Such collaboration transforms public engagement into a powerful tool for advocacy, raising awareness, honoring survivors, and reinforcing the shared commitment to a world free of chemical weapons.
Please share any other thoughts you have regarding civil society participation.
As mentioned above, civil society can be instrumental to advance the OPCW’s mission, as it extends the Organization’s reach beyond governments, amplifying the voices of citizens and vulnerable communities while promoting transparency and accountability.
By engaging in education, outreach, and technical dialogue, civil society helps raise public awareness of the OPCW’s mandate, supports the universalization of the Chemical Weapons Convention, and reinforces the Organization’s role in global security. Its constructive participation not only enhances public understanding but also strengthens the OPCW’s credibility and effectiveness.
Ambassador Tiina Intelmann of Estonia
1. As Director-General, what do you anticipate your priorities regarding public outreach and engagement with the public will be?
The OPCW is, undoubtedly, the most successful global disarmament organisation. The destruction of all declared stockpiles, near-universal membership , the Nobel Peace Prize of 2013 all speak to it. However, the chemical weapons have not been completely eradicated and the risk of proliferation remains. As DG, I would see it as one of my roles to be a face of the organisation in public, to enhance the visibility of the organisation’s work and to ensure the broadest possible support to our goals.
2. What role can civil society play in advancing the goal of a world free from chemical weapons?
The OPCW has certain rules, procedures and standards for destruction of the chemical weapons, or dealing with the use of chemical weapons. However the representatives of the civil society are often the first to learn of the instances involving dangerous chemicals or chemical weapons, and they can provide valuable information and insights into such incidents, a local perspective, and help to establish contacts with potential witnesses and victims.
Also, activities aimed at rising awareness of the dangers of re-emergence of chemical weapons have been immensely helpful towards the goal of eliminating chemical weapons.
3. What issues, if any, do you see regarding civil society’s participation in the OPCW?
Representatives of non-governmental organisations may attend the plenary sessions of the CSP, and participate in the activities of review conferences. This option is well used by the CSO, and provides opportunities for direct contacts between representatives of civil society, the States Parties and the OPCW. I do realise that the registration procedure for the conferences could be faster and simpler, and it has been an issue for consultations between states.
4. How could the TS’s actions be enhanced to better engage civil society?
I believe that the Technical Secretariat values the input of the civil society to the activities of the OPCW, especially in the field. I have taken note of the recommendations published by the CWCC, and if elected for the DG, I would certainly be interested in regular consultations with the representatives of the CSO.
5. How should the OPCW and civil society raise awareness of the long-term humanitarian consequences and suffering of survivors of chemical weapons?
The NGO Open Forums in the margins of CSP have demonstrated the reach and variety of the activities of the CSO. The coordination and cooperation between the actors – the local activists, the academia, the representatives of victims and survivors; perhaps concentrating on specific aspects or cases – carries a potential of reaching wider audiences. I also see a role for civil society to help counter disinformation regarding chemical weapons. At the same time the states would have to reinforce their efforts to ensure accountability and justice for the victims.
Ambassador Eniola Ajayi of Nigeria
1. As Director-General, what do you anticipate your priorities regarding public outreach and engagement with the public will be?
As Director-General, my foremost priority in public outreach will be to elevate global awareness of the OPCW’s mission: preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons and promoting international peace and security. I intend to engender greater transparency by proactively communicating the Organization’s work through accessible and multilingual platforms, ensuring our efforts resonate beyond diplomatic circles and reach civil society, educators, youth, and vulnerable communities especially in peace times.
Public trust is built through visibility, so strategic engagement with media, academic institutions, and digital platforms will be key. I also aim to humanize the OPCW’s role, highlighting the real-world impact of chemical disarmament on safety, health, and international stability. By forging partnerships with educational and policy networks, we can build a new generation of advocates for a world free of chemical weapons. Public engagement, to me, is not secondary, it is essential for legitimacy, accountability, and the lasting relevance of the OPCW. We must tell our story. OPCW is one of the most successful disarmament organisations we have today.
2. What role can civil society play in advancing the goal of a world free from chemical weapons?
Civil society is a vital partner in strengthening the global norm against chemical weapons. It serves as a watchdog, holding governments accountable to their treaty obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention. Civil society organizations (CSOs) also play an educational role, raising public awareness, dispelling misinformation, and promoting a culture of non-violence through outreach, advocacy, and grassroots mobilization.
Moreover, academia and research institutions contribute scientific expertise, helping to monitor developments in chemistry that could pose risks of misuse. Journalists and human rights groups help document alleged violations, giving voice to victims and ensuring that chemical attacks do not go unnoticed. Youth and educational networks help build a new generation committed to disarmament.
By engaging with civil society, the OPCW strengthens transparency, enhances early warning mechanisms, and ensures that the goal of a world free of chemical weapons remains a shared global responsibility, not just an institutional or a governmental one.
3. What issues, if any, do you see regarding civil society’s participation in the OPCW?
While civil society plays a critical role, several challenges limit its full and effective participation in the OPCW. One major issue is limited access. Civil society often struggles to engage directly in key decision-making forums, where government representatives primarily lead discussions. Though it is the required norm, this limits the diversity of perspectives that could enhance transparency and accountability.
Political sensitivities also pose challenges. Some Member States may view civil society interventions especially from advocacy or investigative groups, as politically charged, resulting in restricted engagement or selective inclusion.
There is a capacity gap as well, since many civil society organizations, particularly from developing regions, lack the technical expertise or resources to navigate the complex and highly specialized nature of OPCW processes, which affects balanced representation.
Additionally, information asymmetry affects meaningful engagement, as access to timely and clear information can be limited by confidentiality and technical jargon.
Finally, it is essential that civil society maintains accuracy and objectivity in its interventions. Reliable and evidence-based contributions build trust and strengthen the OPCW’s credibility, ensuring that civil society’s role complements rather than undermines the Organization’s mission.
Addressing these issues requires enabling open, structured dialogue and capacity-building to ensure civil society’s participation is both meaningful and constructive.
4. How could the TS’s actions be enhanced to better engage civil society?
The Technical Secretariat can strengthen civil society engagement by creating regular, structured platforms for dialogue, while respecting confidentiality constraints. Simplifying and summarizing non-sensitive information for public dissemination would improve transparency without compromising security.
Targeted capacity-building, especially for actors in underrepresented regions, can also empower more informed and balanced participation. Finally, fostering partnerships with academic and educational institutions would help extend the OPCW’s outreach and promote broader public understanding of its mission.
5. How should the OPCW and civil society raise awareness of the long-term humanitarian consequences and suffering of survivors of chemical weapons?
The OPCW and civil society should collaborate to give survivors a voice through storytelling, survivor testimonies, and public education campaigns that humanize the impact of chemical weapons. This can be done through exhibitions, documentaries, and partnerships with media and academic institutions.
Commemorative events like the Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare should be used more actively to highlight survivor experiences and long-term suffering. Educational outreach, particularly targeting youth can engender empathy and a deeper understanding of the human cost.
Civil society can also support survivors directly, advocating for recognition, medical assistance, and inclusion in policy discussions. The OPCW, while remaining within its mandate, can facilitate space for these narratives, ensuring that the focus on disarmament remains rooted in humanitarian realities while enhancing the security architecture of the world.