Episode #8: BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention

Ms. Deepanwita Chattopadhyay, Chair & Chief Executive Officer, IKP Knowledge Park, India

Dr. Diah Iskandriati, Biosafety Officer, Primate Research Center, Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia

August 14, 2023

This episode was recorded live, on site at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of the BWC Global Forum side event hosted during the August 2023 meeting of the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention. BWC states parties will convene as the Working Group semiannually during the BWC's 2023-26 Intersessional Period, with a mandate to develop concrete proposals for consideration at the 10th Review Conference in 2027. The BWC Global Forum side event coincided with Working Group debate on the need for science and technology review capacity for the BWC. The event was attended by dozens of BWC delegates and civil society experts from around the world.

Our podcast guests discussed gene synthesis screening and other biosecurity oversight programs, efforts to facilitate engagement between governments and civil society researchers on biosecurity priorities, and biosecurity education and awareness-raising programs for the next generation of cutting-edge scientists. Following the discussion, the guests engaged with audience members during a Q&A period. These discussions will inform BWC delegations on challenges and priorities associated with emerging biology and biotechnology capabilities as they work toward solutions to develop and implement science and technology review capacity for the treaty.