Overview
The 2008 Meeting of Experts was held in the Palais des Nations from 18 to 22 August 2008. Ninety-six States Parties participated in the meeting, along with four signatory states and three observer states. A range of international organizations, scientific and professional associations, commercial industry and NGOs were also represented.
The Meeting of Experts was chaired by Ambassador Georgi Avramchev of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. In accordance with the decision of the Sixth Review Conference, the Meeting of States Parties (1- 5 December 2008) will consider the work of the Meeting of Experts to discuss, and promote common understanding and effective action on:
1. National, regional and international measures to improve biosafety and biosecurity, including laboratory safety and security of pathogens and toxins.
2. Oversight, education, awareness raising, and adoption and/or development of codes of conduct with the aim of preventing misuse in the context of advances in bio-science and bio-technology research with the potential of use for purposes prohibited by the Convention.
Outcome
The 2008 Meeting of Experts was completed successfully on 22 August. The Meeting adopted its report by consensus.
Side Events
Monday 18 August
13.00 - 15.00 Synthetic Biology: Engineering Life Science by Geneva Forum (Room XXIII)
Tuesday 19 August
09.00 - 10.00 Poster session on Biosafety and Biosecurity (Snail Bar, E Building, Second Floor)
13.00 - 15.00 Dual-Use at the Cutting Edge: What to do about Oversight by Prof. M Dando, Dr. E. Harris, Dr. A. Kelle & Prof. K. Nixdorff (Room XXIII)
Wednesday 20 August
09.00 - 10.00 Biosafety & Biosecurity by the International Biosafety Working Group (Room XXIII)
13.00 - 15.00 BWPP: Meet the Networks by the BioWeapons Prevention Project (Room XXIII)
Thursday 21 August
09.00 - 10.00 Poster session on Oversight of Science, Education, Awareness Raising and Codes of Conduct (Snail Bar, E Building, Second Floor)
13.00 - 15.00 2nd International Forum on Biosecurity by US National Academies, InterAcademy Panel on International Issues (Room XXIII)
Friday 22 August
13.00 - 15.00 National Implementation Measures for Effective Biosecurity and Biosafety by VERTIC (Room XXIII)
