On December 5, the International Science and Technology Center and the European Union hosted and funded a seminar in Dushanbe, Tajikistan addressing control of dual-use technology exports, including weapons of mass destruction, or WMD. Titled, “Export Control of CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) Dual-Use Materials and Technologies in Central Asia”, the roundtable assembled representatives of the Tajikistan National Academy of Sciences, students of pilot universities in Tajikistan and the Head of ISTC’s Dushanbe branch office to discuss the potential WMD threat from terrorist organizations in unstable countries in various parts of the world.

Unregulated technology exports can play a significant role in proliferation and delivery of WMD. At the seminar, an academic course and an accompanying manual titled, “Basics of Export Control”, were introduced focusing on WMD and the need for education in disarmament and nonproliferation. Both the course and the manual point to new approaches in international security based on the latest achievements of science and technology, research and training. The manual is published in both the Tajik and Russian languages and has been distributed to participating pilot universities in Tajikistan.

From the Dushanbe seminar, the following emerged:

- Recognition of an ISTC-implemented project titled, “Increasing Awareness and Education in the Field of Export Controls to Prevent the Unintentional Spread and Development of a Security Culture” and the introduction of the course, “Fundamentals of Export Controls”, in Tajikistani universities;

- Release of the “Basics of Export Control” textbook in two languages;

- Consideration of the international exchange of experience and knowledge in export control to improve experts’ understanding and skills; and,

- Recommendation to the Tajikistani Ministry of Education and Science for introduction of an export control training course in Tajikistani specialized universities

The ISTC is pleased to have organized and facilitated the December 5 export control seminar in Dushanbe.