The 2024 Meeting of States Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention will take place from 16 to 18 December 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. All plenary meetings will take place in the Tempus Building at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland
Information for Participants
Information on attending the 2024 Meeting of States Parties can be found in the aide-memoire (available in English, French and Spanish).
Additional documentation, statements and other information will be posted, as they become available, under the “Documents” and “Statements” sections above.
Information on the office-holders for the 2024 Meeting of States Parties will be posted here when it becomes available.
Side Events
16
December2024
Lessons from the Regional Workshop on Implementing the BWC and Promoting Biosafety and Biosecurity in SE AsiaOrganizer: CHINA & LAO PDR Speakers: H.E. Ambassador SHEN Jian / DPR and Ambassador for Disarmament Affairs, People’s Republic of China H.E. Mr. Latsamy Keomany / Permanent Representative, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Lao People’s Democratic Republic Mr QIAN Jun / Sun Yat-Sen University Dr LI Fujian / China Foreign Affairs University Ms. Somsanouk Keobounsan / MFA Lao PDR Dr Alex Lampalzer / BWC ISU Dr. James Revill / UNIDIR Description: Lessons from the Regional BWC Workshop/China Additional Information: Light refreshments will be provided. Flyer
13:15-14:45Room V
16
December2024
DNA Synthesis Screening and the BWCOrganizer: IBBIS Speakers: P. Millett / IBBIS T. Alexanian / IBBIS M. Ameneiros / IBBIS A. Berman / ACHS Description: Exploring (1) how DNA synthesis screening helps implement different arms control obligations under the BWC, CWC and UNSCR1540; (2) efforts to fill information gaps in understand who is making DNA around the world; and (3) a free, open source tool available for DNA synthesis screening to everyone, everywhere. Additional Information: Light refreshments will be provided.
13:15-14:45Room VII
17
December2024
Back to the Convention: Strategic Challenges and AIOrganizer: UK & THE HARVARD SUSSEX PROGRAM Speakers: J.Moon / University of Sussex L. Sundaram / CSER Sarah Telford / UK Description: This side event examines foundational, persistent, and existential challenges to the Biological Weapons Convention. It then explores how artificial intelligence might intersect with these long-standing issues. The presentation offers a framework for unpacking AI-related concerns and connecting them to the Convention-based activities to facilitate analysis of potential policy implications and options. Additional Information: Light refreshments will be provided.
13:15-14:45Room V
18
December2024
The BWC & WMD Free Zone in the Middle EastOrganizer: Middle East Treaty Organisation (METO), IPPNW & AiXist Speakers: Sharon Dolev / METO Chuck Johnson / IPPNW Emad Kiyaei / METO & AiXist Description: This event will take a closer look between the BWC and a Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone in the Middle East (WMDFZ). With focus on areas of common interest bridging both processes and finding synergies that enable to open conversations surrounding the biological component of the WMDFZ. The event will also touch on the latest developments to advance the Zone, including the recent UN Conference on the WMDFZ held in November 2024. Additional Information: Light refreshments will be provided.
