The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), through the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD), has launched a new publication marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), offering timely reflections from across the Asia-Pacific region on the past, present, and future of biological disarmament.
Titled “The Biological Weapons Convention at 50: Perspectives from Asia and the Pacific,” the publication was jointly prepared by the Government of the Republic of Korea, UNODA through UNRCPD, and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace – India. It brings together a diverse range of voices—including government officials, scientists, and policy experts—to examine how the Convention has shaped global norms and how it must evolve in response to emerging risks.
The volume is based on discussions and exchanges held during the 23rd Republic of Korea–United Nations Joint Conference on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Issues, where participants examined the future of the BWC in a rapidly evolving technological and security landscape.
“Fifty years since its entry into force, the Biological Weapons Convention remains a cornerstone of international peace and security. Yet, as science and technology advance at an unprecedented pace, sustained efforts are required to ensure that the Convention remains fit for purpose,” the publication notes.
Reflecting on Achievements and Emerging Challenges
The publication situates the BWC as the first multilateral treaty to comprehensively prohibit an entire category of weapons of mass destruction, highlighting its enduring relevance in preventing the misuse of biology. Contributors emphasize that the Convention has played a critical role in establishing a global norm against biological weapons, even in the absence of a formal verification mechanism.
At the same time, the volume underscores the evolving nature of biological risks. Rapid advances in biotechnology, increasing accessibility of dual-use research, and the convergence of disciplines such as artificial intelligence and life sciences are reshaping the threat landscape.
“The dual-use nature of the life sciences continues to present both immense benefits and significant risks. Strengthening oversight, fostering responsible science, and enhancing international cooperation are essential to mitigating these challenges,” one contributor observes.
Participants gather for the 23rd ROK-UN Joint Conference on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Issues in Seoul, November 2024
Asia-Pacific Voices in Global Biosecurity
A central feature of the publication is its focus on Asia-Pacific perspectives. Reflecting the region’s diversity, contributions highlight varying national experiences in implementing the BWC, as well as shared challenges related to capacity constraints, legislative frameworks, and inter-agency coordination.
The publication also underscores the growing role of the region in shaping global discussions on biosecurity and biosafety. Regional initiatives, including dialogue platforms and capacity-building efforts supported by UNODA and UNRCPD, are identified as key enablers for strengthening engagement in multilateral processes.
“Asia and the Pacific has an increasingly important role to play in advancing the objectives of the Convention, including through regional cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and active participation in global decision-making,” the publication emphasizes.
Bridging Science, Policy and Public Health
Several contributions highlight the importance of adopting cross-sectoral approaches to biological risk management. In particular, the publication underscores the relevance of the One Health framework, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health considerations.
Authors call for stronger linkages between scientific communities, policymakers, and public health practitioners, noting that effective implementation of the BWC depends on inclusive and coordinated approaches.
“Building bridges between science and policy is critical. The engagement of scientists, industry, and public health actors will be key to ensuring that biological advances are harnessed for peaceful purposes,” a contributor writes.
Expert panelists discuss emerging biosecurity challenges during the 23rd ROK-UN Joint Conference
Looking Ahead: Strengthening the Convention
Looking to the future, the publication offers a forward-looking perspective on how the BWC can be strengthened. Key recommendations emerging from the contributions include enhancing transparency through confidence-building measures, promoting capacity-building and technical assistance, and advancing discussions on institutional strengthening under the Convention.
The collection also highlights the importance of sustained political commitment and international cooperation to ensure that the BWC continues to serve as an effective instrument in addressing both current and emerging biological threats.
Participants during opening remarks at the 23rd ROK-UN Joint Conference
A Resource for Dialogue and Action
By bringing together regional insights and expertise—grounded in the exchanges of the 23rd Republic of Korea–United Nations Joint Conference—the publication aims to support ongoing international efforts to reinforce the BWC and promote a shared understanding of biological risks in an increasingly complex global environment.
Through this joint initiative, the Government of the Republic of Korea, UNODA through UNRCPD, and Carnegie India reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening the global biological disarmament regime and supporting Member States in the Asia-Pacific region.
The publication is now available online and serves as both a reflection on five decades of progress and a call to action for the future of biological disarmament.
About UNODA Occasional Papers
The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs publishes the UNODA Occasional Papers series to feature papers that deal with topical issues in the field of arms limitation, disarmament and international security. They are intended primarily for those concerned with these matters in Government, civil society and the academic community.
Download the Publication
The full text of UNODA Occasional Papers No. 46 is available in electronic format here.
For more information, please write to unrcpd-info@un.org
