CIABT and Biological Risks

Advances in biotechnology generate new opportunities, but also create certain risks in terms of dual use of biological and toxin agents and with respect to compliance with the 1972 Convention on the Prohibition of Biological Weapons (CIABT).

This is the first event in a series of French-speaking meetings on disarmament in 2024 which will present the CIABT and provide a more in-depth analysis of contemporary biological risks, including in relation to artificial intelligence and cyber. The event will also provide insight into the ongoing work of the CIABT Working Group established by the 9th Review Conference in November 2022.

The event is open to all interested participants. The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) encourages the participation of French-speaking representatives and experts specialized in or interested in issues related to CIABT and/or biological risks. This event will take place in French. No interpretation into other UN languages ​​will be provided.

PROGRAMME

• Welcome Address: Dr. Robin Geiss , Director, UNIDR
• Introductory remarks : Mr. Guillaume Ollagnier , Director of Strategic Affairs, Security and Disarmament at the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, and HE Camille Petit , Permanent Representative of France to the Conference on Disarmament
• Presentation of the CIABT : Mr. Remi Bacouillard , Political Affairs Officer, CIABT Implementation Support Unit, Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)
• Overview of scientific and technological advances : Dr. Anna Laura Ross , Head of the Emerging Technologies Unit of the Division of Science of the World Health Organization (WHO), and Ms. Louison Mazeaud , Associate Researcher, Weapons Program mass destruction, UNIDIR
• Perspectives on the ongoing work of the CIABT Working Group : Ms. Barbara Belkior , Minister-Counsellor, Permanent Representation of Brazil to the Conference on Disarmament
• Concluding remarks : HE Salomon Eheth, Permanent Representative of Cameroon to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

The event will be moderated by the Permanent Observer of the International Organization of la Francophonie (OIF) to the United Nations Office in Geneva, HE Henri Monceau.

Please visit the UNIDR website for registration.