Targeted Initiative on export controls side event during the 9th Review Conference of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention

States party to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) held the 9th Review Conference in Geneva from 28 November until 16 December 2022.

During the Review Conference, the International Science and Technology Centre (ISTC) based in Astana, Kazakhstan and the Science and Technology Centre in Ukraine (STCU) based in Kyiv, Ukraine organised a side event on 12 December to highlight the achievements of European Union Targeted Initiatives (TI) on export controls for CBRN-relevant dual-use technologies since their initiation five years ago. The side event took place in collaboration with the European Union.

Forty-five participants – representatives from State Parties, stakeholder communities and civil society – listened to introductions by:

• Mr Igor Kucer, European External Action Service
  • European Union contributions to the BTWC and other multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation instruments
• Dr Maria Espona, TI Project Coordinator
  • TI achievements and future objectives
• Dr Kai Ilchmann, Work Package Leader Responsible Science and Networking
  • The CONDENsE networking experience in support of responsible science
• Dr Jean Pascal Zanders, Work Package Leader Education
  • Education towards developing a culture of responsibility concerning CBRN-relevant dual-use technology transfers among stakeholder communities

A question and answer session with the audience followed the presentations.

The Targeted Initiatives (TIs) implement capacity-building activities to stimulate national and regional cooperation to mitigate risks posed by chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) weapons and strengthen relevant capacities.  The TIs are implemented by the ISTC and the STCU.

     A key aspect of controlling the potential spread of CBRN weapons involves measures to inhibit acquiring the materials and technologies for hostile purposes. As many of the materials and technologies have peaceful uses, any controls on their transfers affect multiple communities. These communities must understand the proliferation threats and risks linked to their activities and their responsibilities under international and national law. Over the past five years, the TIs have actively facilitated networks of experts through conferences and workshops and established partnerships to implement capacity-building activities to stimulate national and regional cooperation. Central elements of the TIs focus on education through partnerships with universities, co-development of custom-tailored curricula, industry engagement, networking activities for scientists, experts, and practitioners, and doctoral research grants.

For more information on the Targeted Initiatives:

• ISTC <https://www.istc.int/export-control>

• STCU <http://www.stcu.int/tiexpcontrol>