International Organisations
International organisations with a direct or indirect role in biosecurity and scientific oversight are included here. Some organizations listed here may have only a marginal interest or role in biosecurity. Where possible, links have been provided to any webpages relating directly to biosecurity and codes of conduct. This is a “living” document and comments about the content or any potential omissions are welcome. Please contact webmaster@biosecuritycodes.org.
European Commission (EC)
Comment: The EC is the executive branch of the European Union (EU). In this role, the EC serves the EU by proposing and enacting legislation, and to act as the “guardian” of the treaties which effectively form the EU.
Division(s) within the EC with a role or interest in biosecurity:
European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)
Comment: The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) was founded in
1964 by leading scientists in the emerging field known as molecular
biology. EMBO's membership
consists of around 1.250 leading researchers predominantly in
fundamental research in the EMBC member states. The organization's
aim is to promote molecular biology in Europe and neighboring
countries, and it increasingly does so in other parts of the world.
It offers trans-national research fellowships, supports professional
mobility and exchanges with other parts of the world, funds courses
and workshops in molecular biology, supports young group leaders,
produces three scientific journals, and is active in
the field of science policy. EMBO's Science & Society Programme
concentrates on helping fundamental researchers dialogue with, and
understand, the public and the media, as well as promoting molecular
biology teaching in schools.
European Union (EU)
Comment: The EU is a membership organization of European nation-states. The EU work on all aspects of governmental policy including health care , economics, foreign affairs, and defense. Member countries have accepted an open market, consisting of a customs union, a single currency (adopted by 12 of the 25 member states), a Common Agricultural Policy and a Common Fisheries Policy.
Division(s) within the EU with a role or interest in biosecurity:
Global Health Security Initiative (GHSI)
Website: News on the annual meetings of GHSI can be found on the individual country health ministry sites.
Comment: GHSI is a collaboration among the Health Ministers of the Canada, the EU, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, UK, US, and the WHO as an expert advisor. They strive to coordinate approaches to health security and healthcare response to the threat of international biological, chemical and radio-nuclear terrorism. In addition, they agree to work together in procuring preventative medicines, researching effectiveness of regulatory frameworks, developing emergency response plans, assessing risk, securing laboratories, protecting food and water supplies, and surveying disease outbreaks.
International Union of Microbiological Societies (IUMS)
Comment: IUMS is one of the 29 members of the Scientific Unions of the International Council of Science (ICSU). It seeks to promote the study of microbilogical sciences internationally while fostering open exchange of information for the welfare and advancement of human kind. The organization emphasizes the ethical conduct of research and training, particularly in biosecurity and biosafety. To this end, the organization encourages all its members to adopt or develop a code of ethics.
Interpol
Comment: Interpol is the world’s largest international police organization. It was established to facilitate cross border police cooperation and today provides a fast and reliable communication system that links police around the globe. It works to prevent all international crimes, but is especially concerned with drug trafficking, information technology crime, corruption, terrorism, and crimes against humanity.
Division(s) within the Interpol with a role or interest in biosecurity:
Comment: NATO is an alliance of 26 countries from North America and Europe committed to safeguarding the freedom and security of its member countries and their citizens by political and military means. In addition to its historical military and political roles, NATO is increasingly important in crisis management and peacekeeping situations.
Division(s) within the NATO with a role or interest in biosecurity:
Comment: The OECD is a group of 30 member countries, with active relationships with some 70 other countries, nongovernmental organisations and civil society, sharing a commitment to democratic government and the market economy. It is best known for its publications and its statistics, but its work covers economic and social issues from macroeconomics, to trade, education, development and science and innovation. The OECD also has done extensive work in biotechnology, biosafety, and biosecurity.
Division(s) within the OECD with a role or interest in biosecurity:
United Nations (UN)
Comment: The UN serves as a centre for harmonizing the actions of independent nations. In order to achieve that harmonization, the UN is broken up into six main bodies: the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Trusteeship Council, the Economic and Social Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat. Combined with the UN programmes, funds, specialized agencies, and analogous bodies, the UN is a centre for international diplomacy and administrator of many international treaties and agreements.
Division(s) within the UN with a role or interest in biosecurity:
Comment: OIE is an intergovernmental organization created whose membership includes 167 countries. Through the OIE, members ensure transparency in the global animal disease situation, coordinate international control of animal diseases, collect, analyze, and disseminate veterinary information, publish health standards for international trade in animals, and improve the legal framework for veterinary services.
