Risks and Motivations of State Bioweapons

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To prevent severe biological events that could rise to the level of a global catastrophic biological risk (GCBR), it will be critical to prevent pandemics that could result from accidental or deliberate misuse of the tools of modern bioscience and biotechnology. State development and use of biological weapons is among the most likely potential sources of GCBRs, but international systems for preventing and constraining state bioweapons programs are weak. This session is focusing on the actions the international community can take to address this challenge and disincentivize states from pursuing such programs. Jaime Yassif serves as Vice President of NTI Global Biological Policy and Programs (NTI | bio). In this role, she oversees NTI | bio’s work to reduce global catastrophic biological risks, strengthen biosecurity and pandemic preparedness, and drive progress in advancing global health security.