Disarmament in Review
On 26 March 2025, the global disarmament community marked a historic milestone – the fiftieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). To commemorate the occasion, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) Geneva Branch and the BWC Implementation Support Unit (ISU), with financial support from the European Union, hosted a series of panel discussions with international experts.
The event brought together diplomats, academics, civil society representatives and young scientists to exchange insights on the achievements, challenges and current trends related to the BWC. The event was structured around three panel discussions that explored the past, present, and future of the Convention, complemented by presentations and interactive discussion with participants.
Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs and Ambassador Michele Cervone d’Urso, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, delivered opening remarks.
In her speech, Ms. Nakamitsu emphasized the growing pressure on disarmament norms and reminded participants that the threat of biological weapons has not been confined to history. She also underscored the need to strengthen international efforts and include diverse perspectives in the pursuit of strengthening global biosafety and biosecurity.
The first panel explored the history and impact of the BWC over the past five decades with speakers highlighting wider influences on the evolution of the BWC, including the 1925 Geneva Protocol (which celebrates its centenary later this year) and the taboo against the use of disease as a weapon. Interventions were made by Dr. Jean Pascal Zanders, independent researcher and consultant at The Trench, Professor Michelle Bentley, Director of the Centre for International Security at Royal Holloway University of London and Ambassador Leonardo Bencini, Permanent Representative of Italy to the Conference on Disarmament and President of the Ninth BWC Review Conference.
The second panel focused on the present state of the Convention and its role in the global security landscape. Ambassador Frederico S. Duque Estrada Meyer, Permanent Representative of Brazil to the Conference on Disarmament and Chairperson of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the BWC, emphasized the Convention’s importance within the disarmament architecture. He stressed its future effectiveness depends on strengthening technical capabilities, establishing verification mechanisms and fostering greater transparency. Dr. Filippa Lentzos, Associate Professor in Science and International Security at King’s College London and NGO Coordinator for the BWC, reflected on the historical and current significance of the BWC, emphasizing its role in maintaining a strong global norm against the use of biology to cause harm. She called for continued diplomatic efforts, responsible scientific engagement and moral responsibility to uphold and strengthen the ban on biological weapons for future generation.Ms. Musonda Mandona, Biosafety and Biosecurity Advisor at the Ministry of Health of Zambia, reminded participants that, despite its age, the BWC can also be new, particularly for young scientists emerging in the field. Reflecting on her experiences as a Youth for Biosecurity Fellow, she noted that the programme enriched her perspective by highlighting how young scientists can contribute to the BWC through responsible research.
The third and final panel addressed the evolving challenges and opportunities for the BWC in relation to emerging technologies and global health security concerns. The speakers included Dr. Jaime Yassif, Vice President of the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), Mr. Peter Babigumira Ahabwe, Technical Advisor at the Uganda Ministry of Health, and Dr. Sana Zakaria, Research Leader in Science and Emerging Technology at RAND Global, who collectively provided recommendations to stakeholders on responding to emerging threats and strengthening the spirit of international cooperation.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Daniel Feakes, Chief of the BWC ISU. He noted the fiftieth anniversary as a time for positivity and recognition that biological weapons remain, and will continue to be, repugnant to the conscience of humanity, as reflected in the statements made by States Parties, including the three Depositary Governments, to mark the occasion. He also noted the recent accession of three States to the Convention as a testimony to its continued importance and relevance.
The fiftieth anniversary of the BWC provided a platform for experts in the wider biosafety and biosecurity field to reflect on its vital role in contributing towards international peace and security. As emerging biothreats and technological challenges grow, the global disarmament community must reaffirm its commitment to ensure the BWC remains a critical safeguard against the use of biological agents as a weapon and a cornerstone of global peace and security.
To explore more perspectives on the past, present, and future of the Convention, please refer to the commemorative publication launched by UNODA in February 2025 to mark the fiftieth anniversary.
