Biological Weapons Convention meeting begins in Geneva to play 'vital role' in global security

GENEVA

A meeting of states parties of the Biological Weapons Convention began in Geneva on Monday with an aim to play a "vital role" in global security.

Addressing the three-day convention with a pre-recorded remarks, Izumi Nakamitsu, the top UN official for disarmament, said last week's third session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention covered key topics.

"I am confident that your steadfast commitment to these pivotal matters will contribute to our ongoing pursuit of a world free of biological weapons," Nakamitsu said.

"The Biological Weapons Convention is a cornerstone in safeguarding against intentional biological threats, playing a vital role in disarmament and global security."

In the face of the growing challenges posed by biological risks, she said, the convention provides an institutional framework for the states' collective response to these concerns.

"Together, we must ensure the resilience and adaptability of our convention, which requires sustained commitment, including through ensuring its financial and institutional sustainability," she added.

Underlining that strengthening the convention would require a global effort involving numerous stakeholders, the official said the meeting of the states parties represents "an opportunity for pragmatic collaboration."

"We must strengthen the conventions foundations and reaffirm its significance as a cornerstone of international cooperation and security as we look towards the 50th anniversary in 2025," Nakamitsu said, adding: "I hold a genuine expectation that your deliberations will yield tangible results, bringing us closer to our shared objective of strengthening the convention."

The Biological Weapons Convention banning biological and toxin weapons has been ratified by 185 states.