Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction
Security
Biological agents neither recognize nor respect political or geographic boundaries. Naturally-occurring and self-replicating, they pose a unique threat to global security.
When establishing the Global Partnership at the 2002 Kananaskis Summit, Leaders recognized the risks associated with biological weapons and highlighted the importance of cooperative solutions to address biological threats.
Consistent with the Kananaskis Principles and Guidelines, biological security has become a core priority for the Global Partnership, with members working to prevent the deliberate use of biological agents and to address unique biological security and safety challenges around the world.
Strengthening Global Biological Security
A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY
These GP “ Deliverables”, which aim to build global capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to deliberate disease threats, are consistent with and mutually reinforcing of other international initiatives and conventions, including the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) and the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA).
Canada
Trevor Smith
United States
Ryan Taugher
The unprecedented pace of global scientific development, the dual-use nature of biological materials and technologies, combined with the stated aim of terrorist groups and/or states of proliferation concern to launch biological attacks, contribute to the significant international security threats posed by biological proliferation and terrorism.
Although less-publicized and under-addressed compared to other WMD concerns, biological weapons and materials pose a significant and growing threat to global security.