2020 Innovations Dialogue: Life Sciences, International Security and Disarmament

Learn more at https://www.unidir.org/Innovations2020 How are innovations in the life sciences impacting international security and disarmament? What governance gaps exist in the life sciences, and what new, if any, multilateral governance instruments are needed to address dual-use technologies? How can emerging technologies and advances be effectively (or appropriately) addressed in disarmament agendas? This year the Innovations Dialogue will explore how scientific and technological advances in the life sciences can offer new ways to address global challenges, such as the spread of infectious diseases, and pose new threats related to the development of biological weapons. Specifically, the Dialogue will explore how particular advances – gene editing techniques, cloud labs and the rise of DIY bio community, and nanobiotechnology – are revolutionizing tools for the potential creation, production and delivery of biological weapons. The Dialogue will also examine the challenges that dual-use innovations and trends in the life sciences present for current multilateral governance and arms control frameworks.