BWC (Biological Weapons Convention) Tokyo Seminar

February 2, 2006

1. The BWC Tokyo Seminar will be held from February 14 to 15, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in conjunction with the Center for the Promotion of Disarmament and Non-Proliferation of the Japan Institute of International Affairs. The venue will be the International Conference Room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo.
2. Around 50 participants from government, academia, and international organizations are expected, including Ambassador Masood KHAN, President of the 6th Review Conference of the BWC. Ambassador Yoshiki MINE, Permanent Representative of Japan to the Conference on Disarmament, as well as Ambassador Takaya SUTO, Director of the Center for the Promotion of Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, will also be participating as moderators.
3. Since entering into force in 1975, the BWC has been considered insufficiently equipped to ensure the implementation of its obligations. As a result, strengthening the convention has become the main challenge for the States Parties. Moreover, taking into account today's emerging threat of bio-terrorism, especially after the 2001 anthrax incidents in the US, the States Parties to the BWC are urged to agree to concrete measures to strengthen the BWC at the 6th Review Conference in November 2006.
4. The BWC Tokyo Seminar is an excellent and timely opportunity for senior officials and distinguished experts to share their understanding of the current state of the Convention, exchange ideas, and discuss effective approaches to the 6th Review Conference. We hope that the seminar will contribute to the successful outcome of the forthcoming Conference.

* On February 15 at 14:30, the Symposium "New Biological Threats and International Response" will be held at the Conference Room of the Japan Institute of International Affairs (open to the public).

Related Information (The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC))