Source The World Health organization
Media www.rajawalisiber.com – On 7 September 2021, the WHO Science Division organized the second Consultative Meeting on the development of the Global Guidance Framework to Harness the Responsible Use of the Life Sciences (the Framework). 47 experts attended the meeting, bringing together representatives from academia, scientists, publishers, editors, public health officers, policy makers, research donors and representatives from WHO regions and UN entities.
The objectives of the meeting were to discuss the findings and recommendations of the three working groups established after the first WHO consultative meeting of 11 March 2021; to discuss the next steps on the development of the Framework; and to continue the consultation and engagement processes. The outcomes of this second consultation contributed to further inform the development of the Framework.
The three working groups held approximately 25 meetings over a three-month period from June to August 2021. Working group one (WG1) identified a list of nine values and principles and their associated commitments. These principles will underpin the Framework and guide the policies and actions of the multiple stakeholders and sectors in this area.
Working group two (WG 2) reviewed existing mechanisms and tools for the governance of biorisks; drew out the most important challenges, gaps and priorities; and developed a set of recommendations for next steps. Among these gaps, WG2 highlighted the predominant lack of awareness among more than 3 million scientists working worldwide and the insufficient institutional, national and international policies and governance mechanisms as well as the need for forums to share resources and effective practices.
Working group three (WG3) focused on awareness raising, education, capacity building and engagement activities and reported on the gaps and challenges related to biological security in basic and applied life sciences and converging sciences and technologies. WG3 identified a set of 13 key lessons learned from past activities and made seven recommendations. Lessons from past efforts include the different purposes of educational and training activities and the need for greater clarity concerning the expectations of these activities; dual use is not being seen as an immediate priority for most of those associated with the life sciences; the lack of shared terminologies; the importance of inclusion and innovation in the design of materials; the role of champions and networks for promulgating materials and the need to support the sustainability of these activities.
The meeting participants adopted the set of guiding values and principles and reached common understanding on the tools and mechanisms for governance and awareness raising, education, capacity building and engagement activities.
Next steps will include cross-referencing the three working group draft reports; developing a glossary of key terminologies; and working on a series of case studies and scenarios to test the framework and to show how elements of the framework could work real and hypothetical situations.
A detailed meeting report will be published. The Emerging Technologies, Research Prioritisation and Support (EPS) unit will continue to consult with relevant individuals, groups and the WHO regions, on the development, dissemination and implementation of the Framework in the coming months.