BWC Implementation Support Unit
@BWCISU
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Servicing the Biological Weapons Convention #1972BWC, supporting its implementation and promoting the peaceful uses of biology. 📍Based in @ODA_Geneva
@UNGeneva | Switzerland
Joined August 2010
Happy 45th birthday to the #BiologicalWeaponsConvention! #OnThisDay in 1975 the treaty entered into force comprehensively banning biological warfare as repugnant to the conscience of humanity. To mark the anniversary we've made this short video with funding from the EU.
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That’s a wrap! After 3 weeks of discussions, the 9th #BWCRevCon concludes today with States Parties adopting a final document! . Congratulations to the #1972BWC States Parties for this achievement and engagement . Thank you Ambassador @L_Bencini for your leadership and efforts
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#OnThisDay in 1972, the Biological Weapons Convention was opened for signature in London, Moscow and Washington. 50 years later, the #1972BWC now has 183 States Parties who are currently busy preparing for its Ninth Review Conference.
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#OnThisDay in 1975 the #BiologicalWeaponsConvention entered into force. The Convention effectively prohibits the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of biological and toxin weapons #1972BWC
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📢We are hiring a Project Consultant to design training content on the Biological Weapons Convention!. 📍The position is home-based (travels expected). 🗓️Application deadline: 15 January 2023. Find out more about the role and how you can apply here 👉
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Together with colleagues from @UNIDIR, we briefed #ELBI fellows @JHSPH_CHS about the upcoming #BWCRevCon☣️ .Here is how it went!
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A biological-weapon-free world needs youth voices to be heard in the global #1972BWC dialogue. As we celebrate the last #Youth4biosec session, here are some highlights from 2 months filled with engaging experts and inspiring young scientists @UN_Disarmament @EU_UNGeneva
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Congratulations to 🇳🇦 Namibia for acceding to the Biological Weapons Convention bringing the number of States Parties to 184. Namibia's accession strengthens the Convention and sets a very positive signal in the run-up to 9th #BWCRevCon. Welcome to the #1972BWC community!
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The outcomes of the #BWCRevCon provides. ✅ a bolstered 2023-26 intersessional process. ✅ a decision to develop with a view to establishing a mechanism to review & assess S&T developments relevant to the BWC and a mechanism to support Art. X implementation. ✅a reinforced ISU.
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The President-Designate @L_Bencini declared the Ninth Review Conference #BWCRevCon of Biological Weapons Convention #1972BWC open!. Follow the first day live on @UNWebTV and stay tuned for our updates💻 .Link:
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Today, we mark 49 years of the Biological Weapons Convention 🌍, a crucial step towards a safer world. We thank all States and individuals who have worked tirelessly to uphold its principles. 🕊️.Check out the history of the #1972BWC linked here 🔗
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Today we highlight the vital role that women play in the implementation of the #BiologicalWeaponsConvention around the world. Thanks to @Clarissajaz from Peru, @PetitGiovis from Brazil and Lizeka Tandwa from South Africa. #1972BWC
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Meet the 2021 participants of the Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop for Young Scientists from the Global South, Second Edition! #Youth4Biosec More details at . #1972BWC @UN_Disarmament @ODA_Geneva @UNGeneva @EEAS_EU @EU_UNGeneva
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📢We are excited to announce the 2023 cohort of the #Youth4Biosec Fellowship! . Looking forward to embarking with them in a 3-month #1972BWC learning journey starting next week . Check out their bios here 👉
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🚨📢Next week we will launch the 1st ever #Youth4Biosec Fellowship. If you want to apply and are asking yourself: .- What is the Fellowship❓.- Who is it for❓.- How to apply❓. Join us online Friday 3 March | 13h - 14h CET for the Launch Event. Register👇.
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A big turnout for the opening day of the 2019 Meeting of States Parties to the #BiologicalWeaponsConvention! The MSP is taking place from 3-6 December at @UNGeneva under the chairmanship of Amb Yann Hwang of @FR_Desarmement #1972BWC
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Earlier today, the President-Designate of #BWCRevCon @L_Bencini met with representatives of civil society ☣️. Around 60 representatives (and one cat🐈) discussed ways to ensure greater civil society engagement on #1972BWC issues
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Ready to welcome 33 States Parties to the #1972BWC tomorrow at UN Vienna to exchange views and discuss policy developments on the table for the Ninth @BWCRevCon. The First #BWCRPM Regional Preparatory Meeting takes place from 5 to 6 July in Vienna International Center.
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"No topic should be off the table in the quest to strengthen the Convention" - in her opening remarks for the #BWCRevCon @UN_Disarmament HR @Inakamitsu called the States Parties to 1 -operationalize 2- institutionalize 3 - fund the BWC & 4 - explore options for verification
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#OnThisDay in 1975 the Biological Weapons Convention entered into force. The #1972BWC entered into force with ratification by 22 governments, including the three Depositaries. The Convention today has 180 States Parties.
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We are delighted to welcome 🇹🇻 Tuvalu as the 186th State Party to the 1972 BWC ! A crucial step towards strengthening the global norm not to use disease as a weapon against humans, animals or plants. Congratulations.@TuvaluGov.@Tuvalu_UN .@Tuvalu_MJCFA !
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Applause in the room at #MSP2017 as @gioasempre Amb. Amandeep Singh Gill of India closes the meeting after successfully adopting its report on a future intersessional work programme for the #1972BWC
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States Parties to the #BiologicalWeaponsConvention have approved the appointment of Ambassador Dr. Cleopa Kilonzo Mailu of @KenyaMissionUNG as Chairperson of the 2020 Meeting of States Parties to the #1972BWC
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The 'Guide to Implementing the #1972BWC', is now available in six official @UN languages 🇺🇳 We are grateful to @EU_UNGeneva, @NorwayInGeneva and @FR_Desarmement for their financial support 📚. Follow the link to read:
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The SG of the @UN @antonioguterres addresses States Parties to the BWC & called them to consider 3 actions at the #BWCRevCon 🇺🇳.1 - bolster accountability provisions for S&T advances .2 - update thinking on verification and compliance .3 - give the #1972BWC the resources it needs
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#BWCRevCon Throwback. States Parties to the #1972BWC agreed to establish a new inter-sessional programme with a WG on the Strengthening of the Convention. It will meet for 15 days/year btw 2023 & 2026 . More info soon on the 1st meeting of the #BWCWG to be held next 15 & 16 March
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On #InternationalWomensDay we celebrate women leaders in biosecurity and reaffirm that harnessing the scientific talent of women is key to strengthening the #1972BWC. @UN_Disarmament @ODA_Geneva
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#Youth4Biosec - Starting this month, 30 young scientists from 15 countries from the Global South will join the 3rd edition of the Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop for Young Scientists from the Global South. Meet the 2022 cohort here 👇.
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“It is vital that diplomats and scientists work together to tackle our common challenges. to ensure that security concerns do not hamper beneficial scientific advances and their application for the good of humanity”- Director @ODA_Geneva on behalf of HR @UN_Disarmament #1972BWC
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Very happy to formally welcome Namibia as the 184th State Party to the BWC! We look forward to working closely with Namibia and Ambassador Imene-Chanduru @munasheJ.
Ambassador Imene-Chanduru, welcome to Namibia🇳🇦to the #1972BWC! A step closer to the universalisation of the Convention - with 184 States Parties, it is the cornerstone of international #biosecurity.
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Delighted to announce that, as decided by the States Parties to the #1972BWC, the 9th #BWCRevCon will take place from 🗓️ 28 November to 16 December 2022 🗓️ @UNGeneva. Looking forward to working with Ambassador @LBenciniPrato !. @UN_Disarmament @ODA_Geneva @ItalyUN_Geneva.
This week I had the privilege to co-chair the PrepCom of the #1972BWC. The RevCon will take place from 28 November to 16 December under the Presidency of Amb. @LBenciniPrato. Italy confirms its strong commitment for #biosafety and #biosecurity. 🇮🇹🇪🇺🇺🇳
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APPLY NOW‼️. 📢The call for applications to the #Youth4Biosec Fellowship 2⃣0⃣2⃣4⃣ is now open. More information on the programme, eligibility criteria & how to apply here 👉 🗓️Deadline - 5⃣ April
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#HappeningNow . HR @Inakamitsu joins US Under Secretary of State Ambassador @Jenkinsbd to discuss ongoing efforts to strengthen #diversity, #genderequality, and inclusive engagement in the #1972BWC
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We are thrilled to launch the first session of the #Youth4Biosec workshop today! The young scientists will hear welcoming remarks from guest speakers before discussing the #1972BWC strengths and weaknesses with experts. @EU_UNGeneva @UN_Disarmament @Griss_Rod27
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We're launching today a #Youth4biosec event series to formulate youth recommendations for the 9th #BWCRevCon Review Conference of the #1972BWC . Starting today with session 1 with over 1⃣0⃣0⃣ youth signed up.
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#HappeningNow - 2 years since the last #BWCMSP, the 2020 #1972BWC Meeting of States Parties is starting today at 10am CET in Room XIX @UNGeneva. Follow via live webcast
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With the successful adoption of the report of the Meeting, the #1972BWC Meeting of States Parties has concluded. Thank you to the Chair, Amb. Yann Hwang of @FR_Desarmement for his leadership and to States Parties for their continued strong commitment to the #1972BWC
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Read the Draft Final Document of the Ninth Review Conference here 👇.
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We are looking forward to tomorrow's introductory workshop on the #1972BWC and its Confidence Building Measures for Sudanese 🇸🇩 authorities under the BWC National Preparedness Programme. The event will be held online on 17 and 18 August with support of @EU_UNGeneva. @sudapermunog
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🚨📢The Youth Recommendations for the 9th #BWCRevCon are out! . Have a look at what youth have to say about strengthening the #1972BWC 👇. Thanks to 🇪🇺 @MJvanDeelenEU for the support to the #Youth4Biosec Initiative & to our partners for a great side-event
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The US Dept of State has just announced that Samoa 🇼🇸 has acceded to the #1972BWC becoming the 179th State Party today #BWCPacific
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#OnThisDay in 1972 the #BiologicalWeaponsConvention was opened for signature at ceremonies in London, Moscow and Washington DC #OTD #1972BWC
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The next session of the #Youth4Biosec workshop tomorrow will focus on DURC. We will discuss with @FilippaLentzos & the winners of @NTI_WMD's 2020 Next Generation for #Biosecurity Competition @JonasSandbrink @jtmonrad & @HarshuMusunuri . #1972BWC @EU_UNGeneva @UN_Disarmament
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The Coordination Workshop for the Project on ‘Supporting Universalization and Effective Implementation of the BWC in Africa’ has successfully concluded👏 We would to thank all participants, moderators and @GPWMDofficial!
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The #Youth4Biosec workshop is off to a good start and we are happy to share the new logo of this important initiative! .#1972BWC @ODA_Geneva @UN_Disarmament @EU_UNGeneva
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"Be ambitious!" was Ambassador @L_Bencini's message to the youth delegates he met to hear their recommendations for the 9th #BWCRevCon. Read the youth recommendations formulated last week by youth representatives to the RevCon here 👇.
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We welcome the contribution of $1.5 million by the United States to support our #1972BWC universalization and implementation activities in Africa @GPWMDofficial @StateISN @USAmbCD
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Great start of the #Youth4Biosec 2023 Fellowship yesterday🎉.20 talented fellows met online @INakamitsu, @damico_flavio & #1972BWC diplomats from @AlgeriaUNOG @SwedenGeneva & @ChinaMissionGva, and even got a chance to try on the role of States Parties in the UN model 🇺🇳
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183 States have joined the #BiologicalWeaponsConvention agreeing that the use of biological weapons would be ‘repugnant to the conscience of mankind’. The #1972BWC is an example of what multilateralism and diplomacy can achieve. Happy #DiplomacyDay !
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Congratulations to🇧🇼 Botswana for submitting its first Confidence Building Measure Report! 👏. We were delighted to work with Botswana towards this important achievement thanks to 🇪🇺 @EU_UNGeneva support.
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Earlier today, @BWCISU together with @AfricaCDC and @GPWMDofficial briefed on the Africa Signature Initiative and the progress made in the "Supporting Universalisation and Effective Implementation of #1972BWC in Africa" project 🌍
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📢We are hiring a Political Affairs Officer to join the #1972BWC Implementation Support Unit. This vacancy follows the decision by the 9th #BWCRevCon to add another position in the ISU. Find out more about the role and how you can apply here 👉
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#HappeningNow - 3rd and last online session of the series on Youth recommendations for the 9th #BWCRevCon. Today, youth delegates discuss with senior experts. Next step will be the in-person drafting workshop during the RevCon. Many thanks to all the experts! 🙏
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New newsletter by our @UN_Disarmament colleagues on the SG's investigative mechanism. States Parties to the #1972BWC have noted that the SGM "represents an international institutional mechanism for investigating cases of alleged use of biological or toxin weapons".
Announcing the launch of a new @UN_Disarmament newsletter for experts and laboratories nominated for the Secretary-General’s Mechanism for Investigation of Alleged Use of Chemical or Biological Weapons #UNSGM. Read here 👉
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#HappeningNow the first physical gathering of States Parties to the #1972BWC for around 18 months (with some remote participants as well) - informal consultations in advance of the Meeting of Experts on Science and Technology
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Starting today, State Parties gather at @UNGeneva to strengthen the Biological Weapon Convention. Every moment spent on peace is a step towards a safer future. #1972BWC #ForGlobalSecurity #PeaceAndProgress
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This year we received a record number of applications for the #Youth4Biosec Fellowship 🏆🇺🇳. 20 emerging leaders from 17 #1972BWC States Parties came to Geneva, attended #BWCWG sessions and prepared a poster exhibition! . Full video 📢📺
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With Namibia becoming the 184th State Party to the #1972BWC, only 13 States have still not joined. In the run-up to the RevCon, we'll intensify our universalization efforts through awareness-raising and targeted assistance with the support of @EU_UNGeneva and @GPWMDofficial
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Preparations are almost over, now is the time to deliver. Looking forward to welcoming all participants tomorrow to @UNGeneva #BWCbreakthrough #1972BWC.
Starting tomorrow morning, this is the room where for the next three weeks we will all be working hard to deliver a #BWCbreakthrough. Let us all rise to the occasion and make the #1972BWC fit for these times
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🏆And the #Youth4biosec winning poster is. 🥇The implications of AI for the BWC. 👏Congratulations to the winning team and to all the fellows for a great work and inspiring posters!
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In his remarks to this UNSC open debate, Secretary-General @antonioguterres calls for serious attention to preventing the deliberate use of diseases as weapons, and urges the 14 States not party to the #BiologicalWeaponsConvention to join without delay.
🎬 LIVE @UN: Security Council Open Debate on “Pandemics & Security” - Global health risks can become a threat to international peace & security. 🗓️ 2 July 🕙 10:30am (EDT, NY time).💬 @antonioguterres, FM @HeikoMaas, @GermanyUN.🔗
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The #1972BWC #BWCPrepCom has just concluded with the adoption of the final report!. Our appreciation goes to both Vice Chairs for their leadership and capable facilitation over the past 6 days of meeting.
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Wonder how the world stays safe from biological threats 🌍? It starts with the Biological Weapons Convention! Learn about the history and mission of the #1972BWC here: �. #BioSecurity 🦠🛡️
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A very productive (and COVID-secure) first meeting with the newly-appointed Chair of the 2020 Meeting of States Partied to the #1972BWC, Amb Mailu of @KenyaMissionUNG
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First #BWCRPM - Delighted to hear young scientists' innovative thinking today on verification under the #1972BWC. States Parties heard from @Croppernicus @ShresRath and @teojcryan on their winning paper of the 2022 Next Generation for Biosecurity competition @NTI_WMD
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Great news! We’re looking forward to welcoming South Sudan as the 185th State Party to the #1972BWC soon. And thanks to @PGAction and its members for their tireless efforts.
PGA's International Peace and Security Program was pleased to have been informed by PGA Member Hon. Alma Yak on 23, Dec., 2022 that the President of South Sudan has now formally assented to accession by South Sudan to the Biological Weapons Convention.
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After🔟days of visit @UNGeneva, the 2⃣0⃣2⃣4⃣ #Youth4Biosec Fellowship ended last week! . Thank you to the fellows for the engagement, enthusiasm & for their commitment to a strengthened #1972BWC. Thank you @EU_UNGeneva @GHSFund @SwissMFA for the continued support!
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Civil society organizations are vital for a world free of bioweapons because they. educate.raise awareness.support #1972BWC implementation.contribute to an inclusive global biosecurity scene. and more. Looking forward to their engagement for the 9th #BWCRevCon. @EU_UNGeneva
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#HappeningNow . The 3rd #BWCRPM continues in @UNESCAP with a panel discussion on challenges and opportunities for the 9th #BWCRevCon, a plenary discussion chaired by 🇵🇰 @adeel_muhammad and thematic discussions on Article X and S&T developments with @UNIDIR @M_Garzon_Maceda and 🇵🇭
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📢We are excited to announce the 2024 cohort of the #Youth4Biosec Fellowship! . 20 new fellows join the network after we received more than 2400 applications from over 100 countries 👇.
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Looking forward to the next #Youth4Biosec session tomorrow! We are bringing together the 2019 & 2021 cohorts of young scientists to discuss networking and peer-to-peer mentoring in biosecurity with @BiosafetyIFBA .#1972BWC @EU_UNGeneva @UN_Disarmament @ODA_Geneva
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With South Sudan becoming the 185th State Party to the #1972BWC, only 1⃣2⃣ States have still not joined . In the coming years, we'll intensify our universalization efforts through awareness-raising and targeted assistance with the support of @EU_UNGeneva and @GPWMDofficial
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With the adoption of the report of the #BWCMSP, the #1972BWC Meeting of States Parties has concluded. Thank you to the Chair, H.E Dr. Cleopa Mailu, Ambassador/PR of @KenyaMissionUNG for his leadership.
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The call for applications to the 2nd Global South Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop is now open! Young scientists in biosecurity from the Global South are encouraged to apply. More information at
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Wrapping up an impactful journey with the conclusion of the second #BWCWG meeting! Stay tuned for the release of the final report 📋. 📷In the photo: #BWCWG Chair @damico_flavio with the participants of the Sponsorship Programme
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We're pleased to attend the 1540 Committee Open Consultations this week. Res. 1540 is designed to prevent the catastrophic outcome of the use of WMD by non-State actors, including bio weapons. That is why complementarity and coordination between 1540 and the #1972BWC is crucial
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📢Our team is also hiring a "Project Consultant BWC Science & Technology"! . 📍The position is home-based (travels expected). 🗓️Application deadline: 06 March 2022. Find out more about the role and how you can apply here 👉
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📢The advanced version of the report of the second session of #BWCWG is now available! . Click on the link to review the outcomes and insights resulting from this crucial #1972BWC meeting: .📄
Wrapping up an impactful journey with the conclusion of the second #BWCWG meeting! Stay tuned for the release of the final report 📋. 📷In the photo: #BWCWG Chair @damico_flavio with the participants of the Sponsorship Programme
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The 1st day of the #BWCRPM at @UN_Vienna ended with an hour-long discussion on Science and Tech developments led by @RevillJames @UNIDIR . A productive exchange on the important questions.👉What are the priorities related to S&T?.👉What is the purpose of an S&T review mechanism?
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Expert press briefing on #MSP2017 and latest #Sci_Tech developments featuring experts from @iGEM @JHSPH_CHS and @CSERCambridge as well as #MSP2017 Chairperson, Amb Amandeep Singh Gill of India @gioasempre
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We're relaunched our BWC Newsletter and the first issue is now available at It contains a review of activities in 2020 and a preview of upcoming activities until March 2021.
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