On 12 August 2025 at the Sixth Session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention, Professor Lijun Shang presented at a side event organised by London Metropolitan University with in-kind support from UNIDIR on the need for an International Biological Security Education Network (IBSEN).
(L-R) Professor Lijun Shang (LMU BSRC), Ms. María Garzón Maceda (UNIDIR), H.E. Ambassador David Riley (UK) and Ms. Marykate Monaghan (BWC Team, UNODA)
The side event, held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, titled “Biosecurity education: from concept to implementation” focused on exploring developments in best practices in biosecurity education and stimulating discussion for the further development of an IBSEN as proposed in the BWC Chair’s 2025 Non-paper rolling text. It highlighted the rapid transition of biosecurity education from broad concepts into a dynamic and diverse field of practice, encompassing development of biosecurity education materials and innovative means of implementation.
The side event also featured an welcome and introduction from H.E. Ambassador David Riley of the UK, who also acted as Moderator for the lively Q&A session that followed at the end, as well as presentations by Ms. Marykate Monaghan (Associate Political Affairs Office, BWC Team, UNODA) on the Youth for Biosecurity programme; Ms. María Garzón Maceda (Project Coordinator for the WMD Programme, UNIDIR) on the BWCEdu BWC Advanced Education Course hosted by UNIDIR; and, Dr. Soatiana Rajatonirina (Technical Officer, Science Division, WHO) on the WHO Academy hosted training course on dual-use research and responsible use of the life sciences.
The side event was well-attended with 75 delegates and provoked a thoughtful discussion on how best to create sustainable communities of practice and forge links between ongoing initiatives, as well as the importance of continuing to engage and empower youth voices over the long-term.
Professor Lijun Shang (LMU BSRC) and H.E. Ambassador David Riley (UK)
The LMU BSRC extends its grateful thanks to all panelists for their timely and informed presentations, and to Ambassador David Riley for his well-rounded introductory remarks and adept moderation of the Q&A session.
The side event was underpinned by a formal Statement by LMU’s BSRC published during the Working Group Meeting. The statement can be found here.