International Cooperation sub-regional Workshop in Dakar, Senegal

Participants from 15 States from West and Central Africa took part in a Sub-regional Workshop for CTBTO International Cooperation from 13 to 15 November 2001 in Dakar, Senegal. The workshop was organized by the Provisional Technical Secretariat as part of its 2001 work programme, and was hosted by the Government of Senegal. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa assisted in the organization of the workshop. A representative of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) attended and addressed the workshop. France supported the workshop by providing speakers from the Commission à l'Energie Atomique (CEA) and the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD). Participants reviewed and discussed a wide range of topics. Among the aims of the workshop aims were to provide an overview of the work of the Commission and the technologies of the CTBT verification regime, and to consider the possible benefits of the application of verification technologies for scientific and civil purposes. The workshop also set out to explore ways and means to promote cooperation among States Signatories in verification technologies, including the possible establishment of Regional Data Centres (RDCs), and to enhance exchange of information and experience for the effective implementation of the CTBT, as well as the signature and ratification process. The workshop was a useful and productive exercise in advancing the cause of the Treaty and for deepening understanding of the possible benefits deriving from it. The report was adopted at the conclusion of the meeting, and the documents which were presented are being compiled and will be made available.