Presentation of IAP 'Proof-of-Concept' exercise for a Scientific Advisory Body to the BWC

The InterAcademy Partnership is organising a side event for the Presentation of IAP 'Proof-of-Concept' exercise for a Scientific Advisory Body to the BWC. The session will take place on 11 December 2024 from 13.15 to 14.45, during the Fifth Session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention (2-13 December 2024) and followed by the 2024 Meeting of States Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention (16-18 December 2024). The event will take place at the United Nations Office at Geneva, Palais des Nations Geneva, Switzerland. A light lunch will be provided.

Speakers:

Peter McGrath (moderator)
Peter Babigumira Ahabwe
Ljupco Gjorgjinski
Maria Garzon Maceda
Leandro Antures Mariosi

The IAP report which will be presented, details a proof-of-concept exercise for establishing a Science and Technology (S&T) advisory mechanism within the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC). The exercise, conducted by the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) and the U.S. National Academies (NASEM) from 26-28 February 2024 in Trieste, Italy, simulated a hybrid advisory model comprising an open-ended body and a limited-size expert group. The simulation addressed critical procedural aspects, such as topic selection, expert diversity and transparency, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence with life sciences. The results affirmed that such a mechanism could enhance the BWC's ability to navigate emerging biosecurity challenges by providing independent, expert-driven analyses and promoting international cooperation. The report concludes that the proposed advisory mechanism is feasible and valuable, offering a robust framework for future BWC decision-making. Read more about IAP convening Global Biosecurity experts in Trieste, Italy, here.

Read and download the report here.