The story so far: addressing biological threats in the 2000s

1. The story so far: addressing biological threats in the 2000s Graham S. Pearson Department of Peace Studies University of Bradford Bradford, West Yorkshire

2. The story so far Fifty years ago Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention 1972 The first four Review Conferences 1980. 1986, 1991, 1996 The Fifth Review Conference in 2001/2002 Making progress in the 2000s Intersessional process 2003 - 2005 Sixth Review Conference in 2006 Intersessional process 2007 - 2010 Opportunities at Seventh Review Conf 2011

3. The story so far Fifty years ago Immense change in global security Change in every area of our lives Need to respond to challenges of today Advances in the life sciences Preparedness for outbreaks of disease National interests are now shared globally Aim for integrated approaches Recognising and involving many relevant actors

4. The story prior to 2000 Concerns about national BW programmes 1972 BTWC opened for signature 1975 BTWC entered into force First Review Conference 1980 evolution by extended understandings Second Review Conference 1986 First CBMs agreed - politically binding commitments Third Review Conference 1991 Extended CBMs agreed Mandate for VEREX & Special Conference 1994

5. The story prior to 2000 Mandate for VEREX agreed 1991 The Conference, determined to strengthen the effectiveness and improve the implementation of the Convention and recognizing that effective verification could reinforce the Convention, decides to establish an Ad Hoc Group of Governmental Experts open to all States parties to identify and examine potential verification measures from a scientific and technical viewpoint Special Conference held in 1994 decided to establish an Ad Hoc Group

6. The story prior to 2000 Mandate for Ad Hoc Group agreed 1994 the Conference,determined to strengthen the effectiveness and improve the implementation of the Convention and recognizing that effective verification could reinforce the Convention,decides to establish an Ad Hoc Group, open to all States Parties. The objective of this Ad Hoc Group shall be to consider appropriate measures, including possible verification measures, and draft proposals to strengthen the convention, to be included, as appropriate, in a legally binding instrument, to be submitted for the consideration of the States Parties.

7. The story prior to 2000 Fourth Review Conference 1996 Ad Hoc Group work in progress Fourth Review Conference limited to 2 weeks renewed mandate of Ad Hoc Group ‘light touch’ Ad Hoc Group continued to meet until 24th session 23 July - 17 August 2001 broke down in deadlock 5th Review Conference imminent (Nov 2001)

8. The situation in 2001 Ad Hoc Group had broken down in July 2001 ‘A huge mistake’ 5th Review Conference Nov/Dec 2001 no outcome in 2001 adjourned to 2002 no Final Declaration no ‘extended understandings’ a ‘non-negotiable’ agreement to launch an intersessional process (2 wks MX, 1 wk MSP) 6th Review Conference to consider the work of these meetings and decide on any further action Effectively no decisions between Review Conferences

9. The situation in 2001 BTWC at a low point at 5th Review Conference Terror a major challenge to global security World Trade Centre 9/11 attacks Anthrax letters a week later in the USA Immense advances in the life sciences Genomics, proteomics & bioinformatics Prions, proteins and bioregulators & their synthetically produced analogues & components BTWC engaged in annual meetings on predetermined topics

10. The situation in early 2000s States Parties using all means available to strengthen national & global biosecurity Annual BTWC meetings on predetermined topics effective means of sharing information however, no agreed actions Confidence growing amongst States Parties that the BTWC can deliver real benefits increased awareness that diseases know no boundaries, and that preparedness is of national and international benefit

11. The situation in 2006 Sixth Review Conference approached with renewed sense of hope and aspiration Final Declaration - extended understandings Decisions and Recommendations agreed Further programme of intersessional meetings agreed for 2007 to 2010 Seventh Review Conference to decide on any action Some opportunities missed Annual Meetings able to take decisions Accountability framework Action Plan on national implementation

12. The situation in 2006 Lessons from the Sixth Review Conference Facilitators appointed to help drafting language Shortage of time at Review Conference Novel ideas proposed at the Review Conference are too late Difficulties of consideration/consultation in capitals Ideas submitted prior to the Review Conference itself are better understood Never too early to start thinking about the next Review Conference - and to submit ideas to the States Parties For example, Switzerland on CBMs at MX07

13. The situation in 2010 Several topics already identified for 2011 Recent advances in science and technology The Confidence-Building Measures regime The strengthening of the Implementation Support Unit. The holding of Annual Meetings of States Parties with authority to make decisions. The development of an accountability framework An Action Plan for national implementation of Article IV. A mechanism or CBM for the implementation of Article X. A mechanism to strengthen the effectiveness and improve the implementation of the Convention. Some straightforward, others need preparation

14. The situation in 2010 Achieving consensus at the Review Conference Three weeks are tightly packed even straightforward topics require consensus text text for Decisions section requires preparation and consultation Start such preparation and consultation at the Preparatory Committee Consider use of Friends of Chair (at 3rd Rev Con) or Facilitators (at 6th Rev Con) Appoint Friends of the Chair to hold open-ended consultations to develop a Decisions section text for Drafting Committee Appoint at Prep Com to start work then

15. Looking ahead to 2011 Appoint Friends of the Chair at PrepCom to consult and develop text for Decisions part of Final Document for Drafting Committee: The Confidence-Building Measures regime The strengthening of the Implementation Support Unit Annual Meetings of States Parties (including Accountability Framework) Action Plan for Comprehensive Implementation (primarily focussed on Article IV but also addressing Articles X and III and extending to include Outreach and Education) Strengthening the effectiveness and improving the implementation of the Convention

16. Looking ahead to 2011 Meetings such as this one especially valuable Opportunity to explore issues informally Face up to diverging views & differing emphases Recognise that different States Parties have different priorities e.g. EU committed towards identifying effective mechanisms to strengthen and verify compliance with the Convention. NAM negotiations on a legally binding Protocol to comprehensively strengthen the implementation of the Convention including in the area of international cooperation for peaceful purposes. Gain understanding & seek consensus solutions