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The Biosecurity Working Group (BSWG) has made important progress in advancing the 2021 flagship initiative to Mitigate Biological Threats in Africa, in collaboration with the Africa Centres for Disease Control (A-CDC) and Prevention. In consultation with the A-CDC and other key partners, the BSWG has recently established four ‘Pillars’ (sub groups) to identify specific activities, projects and programmes of work on: biosafety and biosecurity, governance and legislative frameworks, epidemiology and surveillance and non-proliferation.  Each sub-group will be co-led by a representative from a GP country and an African partner.  A number of members have volunteered already. The UK presidency is grateful for this demonstration of enthusiasm and commitment; and the BSWG welcomes the active involvement of all stakeholders to ensure the shared goals are achieved.

During 2021, the Chemical Security Working Group’s (CSWG) initial focus is on building on the GP’s long-standing support for the OPCW, which has a vital role in the elimination of chemical weapons and in preventing and investigating their use. Recently the OPCW Technical Secretariat submitted to the CSWG, carefully prioritized project proposals, for which it seeks funding.  The CSWG will also continue to consider its wider chemical security mandate throughout the year.

The Nuclear and Radiological Security Working Group (NRSWG) identified HEU minimization as a key initiative during 2021 and intends to revitalize efforts in raising awareness.  This link to a statement issued by the Non-Proliferation Directors’ Group in April 2021 re-affirms this aim (paragraphs 8, 10, 17 and 21 are particularly relevant for NRSWG and the GP more generally).  A number of members have expressed an interest in engaging on this issue.  The UK presidency is hopeful that more will come forward as this progresses through the year. The next intercessional meeting in June is likely to include consideration of the implications of C-19 on nuclear security.

The Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Working Group (CBRN) is pursuing creation of an information hub to help give practitioners guidance and support.  Practical steps include calling on export control practitioners from around the world to share their guidance, best practice, information and expertise to populate the information hub.  The group is also investigating the best way to host the hub (including the way the information is presented and can be used), which could possibly include use of the GP Portal – which continues to be funded by the US.   The CBRN working group also continues work to develop a framework for a seed document for the possible development of an ISO standard for export controls.  The achievement of these objectives will help strengthen effectiveness and provide a valuable resource for GP members.

As we move through a lively June, which will conclude the first half of the UK’s 2021 presidency, we are keen to maintain current momentum and continue working to improve active engagement.

As the UK’s G7 presidency of the Global Partnership enters the second half of 2021, the newsletter is an opportunity to update on the UK’s activities so far and give a flavour of plans for the remainder of - what is shaping up to be - another busy year. Despite the continuing challenges of Covid-19, such as national/international restrictions and virtual meetings, a number of initiatives continue, all of which underpin the continued importance of the GP.