Workshop on the Biological Weapons Convention, Riyadh, 20-21 October 2009
The Biological Weapons Convention Implementation Support Unit in association with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are pleased to announce a:
WORKSHOP ON THE BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION
Riyadh, 20-21 October 2009
Day 1: Tuesday 20 October
10:00 Opening ceremony (recitation from Holy Qur’an)
Speakers:
1. Mr. Richard Leanne, Head of the BWC Implementation Support Unit
2. Counsellor Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudairy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
3. Dr. Qasim bin Uthman Al-Qasabi, Chief Executive Officer, King Faisal Specialist Hospital
4. H.H. Prince Dr. Torki bin Muhammad bin Saud Al-Kabir, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Relations
10:30 Meeting with the information media and intermission
11:00 Session I: The Biological Weapons Threat
Dr. Piers Millett, BWC Implementation Support Unit
Overview of the threats posed to national, regional and international security by biological and toxin weapons. Examination of the risks to human, animal and plant health, food safety and economic stability. Evolving history of the BW threat, state-based weapons programmes, non-state actors and bioterrorism.
11:30 Session II: Responding to the Threat: the BWC and SCR 1540
Mr. Richard Lennane, BWC Implementation Support Unit
Overview of the response of the international community to the biological weapons threat, focusing on the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention and Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004). Examination of the roles of these two instruments, their key obligations, areas of overlap, weaknesses and potential problems, and current activities aimed at addressing these.
12:00 break for prayer
12:15 Session III: National Implementation of the BWC and SCR 1540
Mr. Scott Spence, Verification Research, Training and Information Centre (VERTIC)
General requirements for national implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention and Security Council Resolution 1540. Different approaches to implementation requirements. Challenges and problems in achieving successful implementation.
12:45 Session IV: VERTIC’s National Implementation Measures (NIM) Project
Mr. Scott Spence, VERTIC
VERTIC’s NIM project, including specific requirements for national implementation, and results of a survey of Saudi Arabia’s BWC implementing legislation.
13:30 Roundtable discussion with lunch
15:30 Close of Day 1 discussion
20:30 Official dinner in the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosted by H.E. the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Day 2: Wednesday 21 October
10:00 Session V: Assistance, Cooperation and Coordination
Mr. Richard Lennane, BWC Implementation Support Unit
Coordinating implementation among domestic agencies, and internationally. Cooperating with regional partners and international organizations. The role of the BWC intersessional work programme and the Implementation Support Unit in providing assistance and facilitating cooperation.
10:30 Session VI: Confidence-building Measures
Ms. Angela Woodward, VERTIC
Overview of the Confidence-building Measures (CBM) system of the Biological Weapons Convention. Importance of the CBMs in both building transparency internationally and improving domestic coordination on national implementation. Practical steps for participating in the CBMs.
11:00 Intermission
11:15 Session VII: Scientific and Technological Developments
Dr. Piers Millett, BWC Implementation Support Unit
Recent scientific and technological developments relevant to the biological weapons threat. Future prospects likely to be of concern. Options for effective oversight of science and technology, and for involving scientists in improving the implementation of the BWC and SCR 1540.
11:45 Session VIII: Regional Perspectives: the BWC in the Middle East
Mr. Richard Lennane and Ms. Angela Woodward
Regional considerations, including security and threat perceptions, Middle East states not party to the BWC, options for GCC cooperation.
12:15 Break for prayer
12:30 Session IX: National Perspectives in Saudi Arabia
Biological weapons: their origins, development and effects on civilians
Staff Brigadier Prince Dr. Naif bin Ahmad bin Abdul Aziz, Ministry of Defence and Aviation
Security and biological safety
Dr. Imad Altaf, Ministry of the Interior
The role of national legislation
Dr. Fatwan Al-Muhanna, King Faisal Specialist Hospital
The role of the Ministry of Health in the implementation of the Convention
Dr. Tariq Al-Arnous, Ministry of Health
Historical background
Counsellor Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudairy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
13:30 – 15.00 Lunch