Training Programme on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Asser Institute and OPCW, The Hague (26-30 October 2026)

The T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague runs its annual training programme on disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, co-organised with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). It is an intensive five-day course, from Monday 26 October (09:00) to Friday 30 October 2026 (17:00), giving a practical overview of the international non-proliferation and disarmament framework.

Through interactive sessions participants work through export controls, verification mechanisms and international law with experts and practitioners. The programme includes guided visits to the OPCW Headquarters and the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (ChemTech), and a simulation exercise on export control regimes.

• Nuclear weapons: growing stockpiles, collapsing arms control agreements, and the path forward after deadlocked NPT Review Conferences; nuclear safeguards and the legal regime for nuclear testing.
• Chemical weapons: the testing of non-use norms in active conflicts, demilitarisation, national implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, and disinformation in accountability.
• Biological weapons: the Biological Weapons Convention and how synthetic biology is lowering the barriers to engineering dangerous pathogens.
• Export controls and emerging technology: hypersonic missiles, AI-enabled systems and autonomous weapons.
• Current challenges: the DPRK nuclear issue, WMD threats and risks in the Middle East, and a public panel on disinformation about WMD.

Confirmed speakers listed by the Asser Institute include researchers and practitioners from the Asser Institute, the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, Clingendael, the European Leadership Network, SIPRI, UNIDIR, the University of Barcelona, the University of Oxford, the TU Delft Reactor Institute and several OPCW branches. The full day-by-day schedule is in the official 2026 draft programme.

The programme is built for early- to mid-career professionals working on these issues. The Asser Institute regularly welcomes:

• Government officials from ministries of foreign affairs and defence.
• Staff at international organisations and diplomats newly posted to The Hague.
• Researchers at think tanks, NGOs and academic institutions.
• Legal advisers and compliance officers dealing with dual-use or defence technologies.
• Graduate students looking to transition into the security and disarmament field.

The official page states no nationality restriction. Participants needing a visa for the Netherlands are strongly advised by the Institute to apply at least eight weeks before departure; the Institute does not arrange visas but will assist visa applicants where appropriate.

The fee for the full week programme is EUR 1,895. It includes lectures and study materials, refreshments, one dinner and one reception. Participants pay their own international travel, accommodation, evening meals (approximately EUR 55 per day) and, if applicable, visa charges and medical insurance. The Institute can provide a list of suitable hotels in The Hague (EUR 90-150 per day).

Full payment must be made within 10 business days after receipt of the confirmation email. The Institute may switch the training to online, in which case a 33% discount on the tuition fee applies. The cancellation and refund rules are in the official registration conditions.

The OPCW tuition fee waivers for civil society representatives attached to this edition had a deadline of 1 August 2026 and are closed.

After successful attendance of the programme, a certificate of completion is provided.

Register through the online registration form (one form per participant). After submitting the form you are directed to a secure online payment environment. Your place is confirmed only once the form has been submitted and payment has been received. If you do not receive confirmation within 24 hours, contact educationtraining@asser.nl.

The official page states that registration is open and publishes no closing date for registration. The programme starts on Monday 26 October 2026 at 09:00 The Hague time (13:30 IST), so we list 25 October 2026 as the last day to register. Payment is due within 10 business days of the confirmation email and the Institute advises visa applicants to apply at least eight weeks before departure, so register as early as possible.