Members of the NEVER network convened on Wednesday, the first of November, 2023, for a discussion of the existential risks stemming from biological risks.

The meeting started with a speech from ELN Senior Network member and former UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Angela Kane, who detailed her extensive career and how her background in nuclear policy has helped her in her work on managing biological risks, as well as her thoughts on how best to manage and mitigate biological risks.

Following this, NEVER member and Technology Strategy Consultant for Cambridge Consultants, Rebecca Donaldson, gave a presentation on her work in the field, including her time working with the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Bioeconomy Initiative, as well as an introduction to the most probable biological risks facing the world.

After Angela Kane and Rebecca Donaldson’s presentations, a Q&A and group discussion was held.

The main discussion topics were as follows:

• The need to monitor and regulate emerging technologies, particularly in the context of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).
• Rebecca Donaldson highlighted the importance of addressing the role of disinformation in this domain, while Angela Kane suggested locating a proposed centre for monitoring and utilisation of ADTs within the Implementation Support Unit for the BWC.
• NEVER members expressed interest in exploring the interplay between different emerging technologies to prevent misuse.
• Speakers discussed the challenges and opportunities related to biological weapons and governance, including the limitations of current regulations and technologies and the need for a different approach to regulating bioweapons.
• The speakers also discussed the need to update and strengthen the Scientific Advisory Board to address emerging issues and concerns about political interference.