From 24 to 28 October 2016, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) visited Santiago, Chile to participate in the Training Course for Latin America and the Caribbean Points of Contact for the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) and its related resolutions. The training course was hosted by the Government of Chile in cooperation with the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts and supported by UNODA. The training course was made possible through funding from the UN Trust Fund for Global and Regional Disarmament Activities.
The training course aimed to provide national points of contact with an in-depth knowledge about the resolution’s obligations and its implementation challenges. In addition, it emphasized the importance of building strong networks and promoting cooperation and interaction between national points of contact. The course was conducted with presentations by members of the 1540 Committee Group of Experts and representatives of different International Organizations including OPWC, UNODC, WCO and OAS.
UNLIREC provided logistical support prior and during the training and used this opportunity to strengthen its relationship with key representatives. In addition, UNLIREC took the opportunity to present its assistance package to the region and the work it is carrying out with beneficiary States in the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004).
National points of contact play an important role in the effective implementation of UNSCR 1540 (2004). The training was an excellent opportunity to share national experiences and learn from the challenges each State faces. The training for resolution 1540 (2004) National Points of Contact from Latin America and the Caribbean Region aims to become an annual regional meeting to bolster the network.