BWC Intersessional Programmes 2003-2020 Daniel Feakes Chief, BWC - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

BWC Intersessional Programmes 2003-2020 Daniel Feakes Chief, BWC Implementation Support Unit 2019 Meeting of Experts on Institutional Strengthening of the Convention 8 August 2019

• Four ISPs have been / are being conducted: o 2003 to 2005 (3 years) o 2007 to 2010 (4 years) o 2012 to 2015 (4 years) o 2018 to 2020 (3 years) • More details contained in ISU 2018 background paper for MX5 (BWC/MSP/2018/MX.5/2)

Background • First ISP (2003-2005) followed the end of the protocol negotiations within the Ad-Hoc Group • Developed during 2002 by Ambassador Tibor Toth, President of the Fifth Review Conference, in consultation with States Parties • Agreed by resumed session of Fifth Review Conference in November 2002 • At the opening of the resumed Fifth Review Conference, Ambassador Toth said “such a follow -up mechanism would represent a qualitatively new product: an agreement on both the ways and the means of enhancing the implementation of measures to strengthen the BWC”

• Each of the four ISPs have the following common elements : • Annual Meeting of Experts (MXs) • Annual Meeting of States Parties (MSP) • Identical mandate: “to discuss, and promote common understanding and effective action on” the identified topics • All meetings, MXs and MSPs, work by consensus • Chair rotates on an annual basis between the three regional groups (EEG, NAM and WG) • The Review Conferences are mandated to consider the work of MXs and MSPs and to decide on any further action (including renewal of the ISP) • The ISP does not have any specific decision-making authority • Each MX was mandated to prepare for the consideration of the MSP a factual report • Each ISP has a dedicated list of topics for consideration during the entire cycle

• But there has been some evolution in terms of: • Duration • MXs: two-weeks during 2003-2005, one-week during 2007-2010 and 2012-2015 and now eight days during 2018-2020 • MSP: one-week during 2003-2005, 2007-2010 and 2012-2015, but now four days during 2018-2020 • Topics to be considered and shift from annually changing topics to standing topics • Addition of Vice-Chairs in 2011 • Gradual shift to more technical and interactive discussions • Clearer differentiation between MXs and MSPs in latest iteration (different Chairs, clearer mandates of MXs and MSPs)

2003-2005 2003 the adoption of necessary national measures to implement the prohibitions set forth in the Convention, including the enactment of penal legislation national mechanisms to establish and maintain the security and oversight of pathogenic microorganisms and toxins 2004 enhancing international capabilities for responding to, investigating and mitigating the effects of cases of alleged use of biological or toxin weapons or suspicious outbreaks of disease strengthening and broadening national and international institutional efforts and existing mechanisms for the surveillance, detection, diagnosis and combating of infectious diseases affecting humans, animals, and plants 2005 the content, promulgation, and adoption of codes of conduct for scientists

2007-2010 2007 Ways and means to enhance national implementation, including enforcement of national legislation, strengthening of national institutions and coordination among national law enforcement institutions. Regional and sub-regional cooperation on implementation of the Convention. 2008 National, regional and international measures to improve biosafety and biosecurity, including laboratory safety and security of pathogens and toxins. 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. 2009 With a view to enhancing international cooperation, assistance and exchange in biological sciences and technology for peaceful purposes, promoting capacity building in the fields of disease surveillance, detection, diagnosis, and containment of infectious diseases: (1) for States Parties in need of assistance, identifying requirements and requests for capacity enhancement; and (2) from States Parties in a position to do so, and international organizations, opportunities for providing assistance related to these fields. 2010 Provision of assistance and coordination with relevant organizations upon request by any State Party in the case of alleged use of biological or toxin weapons, including improving national capabilities for disease surveillance, detection and diagnosis and public health systems.

2012-2015 2012 SAI1: Cooperation and assistance, with a particular focus on strengthening cooperation and assistance under Article X; SAI2: Review of developments in the field of science and technology related to the Convention; SAI3: Strengthening national implementation. Biennial item-1: How to enable fuller participation in the CBMs 2013 SAI1: Cooperation and assistance, with a particular focus on strengthening cooperation and assistance under Article X; SAI2: Review of developments in the field of science and technology related to the Convention; SAI3: Strengthening national implementation. Biennial item-1: How to enable fuller participation in the CBMs 2014 SAI1: Cooperation and assistance, with a particular focus on strengthening cooperation and assistance under Article X; SAI2: Review of developments in the field of science and technology related to the Convention; SAI3: Strengthening national implementation. Biennial item-2: How to strengthen implementation of Article VII, including consideration of detailed procedures and mechanisms for the provision of assistance and cooperation by States Parties. 2015 SAI1: Cooperation and assistance, with a particular focus on strengthening cooperation and assistance under Article X; SAI2: Review of developments in the field of science and technology related to the Convention; SAI3: Strengthening national implementation. Biennial item-2: How to strengthen implementation of Article VII, including consideration of detailed procedures and mechanisms for the provision of assistance and cooperation by States Parties.

2018-2020 2018 MX1 - Cooperation and Assistance, with a Particular Focus on Strengthening Cooperation and Assistance under Article X MX2 - Review of Developments in the Field of Science and Technology Related to the Convention MX3 - Strengthening National Implementation MX4 - Assistance, Response and Preparedness MX5 - Institutional Strengthening of the Convention 2019 MX1 - Cooperation and Assistance, with a Particular Focus on Strengthening Cooperation and Assistance under Article X MX2 - Review of Developments in the Field of Science and Technology Related to the Convention MX3 - Strengthening National Implementation MX4 - Assistance, Response and Preparedness MX5 - Institutional Strengthening of the Convention 2020 MX1 - Cooperation and Assistance, with a Particular Focus on Strengthening Cooperation and Assistance under Article X MX2 - Review of Developments in the Field of Science and Technology Related to the Convention MX3 - Strengthening National Implementation MX4 - Assistance, Response and Preparedness MX5 - Institutional Strengthening of the Convention

• Office-holders: • One annual Chair for MXs and MSPs from 2002 until 2010 rotating among the regional groups • In 2011, Seventh Review Conference decided to add Vice-Chairs to the ISP and the posts rotated among the regional groups • The current ISP has three office-holders for the MSP and five Chairs for the MXs • Institutional support: • Until 2006, a temporary secretariat in UNODA Geneva Branch • In 2006, the new Implementation Support Unit was created • ISU mandate was reviewed and extended at Seventh (2011) and Eighth (2016) Review Conferences