Toward the 8th BWC Review Conference

Gabrielle Tarini
August 29, 2016

Dr. Chen Kane makes an intervention during the BWC workshop

On July 8, 2016, CNS and the US Department of State co-sponsored a workshop on the challenges and opportunities presented by the Eighth Review Conference of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC). The workshop, held at the CNS Washington office, examined what is at stake at the Review Conference that will take place from November 7-25, 2016, in Geneva.

The workshop, hosted by Christopher Park, director of the Office of the Biological Policy Staff and Amb. Robert Mikulak, CNS distinguished visiting scholar, engaged fifty government officials and nongovernmental experts. The workshop’s participants discussed what state parties need to accomplish, what is possible given the political circumstances, and the consequences of failing to meet those aims. Participants also analyzed the history of the BWC and its development, the best way to engage key stakeholders such as industry and non-governmental organizations, relevant trends in biology and biological security, and the BWC’s role in addressing current and future security challenges.