On October 27, 2010, the Austrian Foreign Ministry for European and International Affairs publically announced the selection of the James Martin Center of Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) at the Monterey Institute of International Studies as its partner institution in the establishment of the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation. The new Center will serve as an international hub for discussions among representatives of civil society, governments, and international organizations of the most pressing nuclear disarmament and proliferation challenges. Particular attention will be given to devising creative but practical means to address these challenges and to educate the public—especially young people—in this regard.
The Austrian Foreign Ministry received applications from many respected institutions and selected CNS because of its leadership in the field of nonproliferation and its shared vision for the new Vienna Center.
Both the Ministry and CNS look forward to working closely with other NGOs, the media, national governments, and international organizations to promote global efforts in the areas of nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation.
It is anticipated that the new Center will begin operation in early 2011.
Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger noted in a press release that:
"[w]ith the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in charge, the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation possesses the ideal preconditions to give Civil Society a strong voice in the field of disarmament."
Dr. William Potter, Director of CNS, following the announcement of CNS's selection, noted that:
"CNS welcomes the opportunity to partner with the Austrian Foreign Ministry in establishing the new Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation. I am confident that it will soon be regarded as the place to turn to in Europe for cutting edge research and training on nuclear arms control issues."
Mr. Leonard Spector, Deputy Director, CNS (Washington DC), highlighted that:
"the Vienna Center will open an exciting new chapter for CNS. With its proximity to the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization, it will give CNS a unique opportunity to contribute to strengthening international nuclear verification systems. Vienna is also an ideal location for convening working groups on U.S.-Russian, European, and Middle Eastern nuclear affairs."
Dr. Patricia Lewis, Deputy Director, CNS (Monterey), noted further that:
"the decision of the Austrian government to open the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation demonstrates its long-standing and deep commitment to nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation. CNS is delighted to be Austria's partner and join in their creative approach to nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation challenges. We bring to Vienna decades of experience in educating the next generation and we are keen to engage the public, particularly young people, in this endeavor."
The James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies strives to combat the spread of weapons of mass destruction by training the next generation of nonproliferation specialists and disseminating timely information and analysis. Based at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, a graduate school of Middlebury College, CNS is the largest nongovernmental organization in the United States devoted to research and training on nonproliferation issues.
