High-Level Delegates at the Conference
The African Region Conference on the Universalization and Effective Implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) commenced in Nairobi on 26th November 2025, launching a three-day high-level continental engagement dedicated to strengthening biosafety, biosecurity, and biological disarmament across Africa. This conference is the first of its kind to be held on the African continent. Hosted at the Mövenpick Hotel, the event, sponsored by the United Nations Office for Disarmament (UNODA)brought together ambassadors, senior government officials, BWC focal points, scientists, and international partners. The conference confirms Africa’s growing commitment in global biosecurity and disarmament efforts.
The official opening was led by Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary, State Department for Science, Research and Innovation (SRI), Republic of Kenya, who delivered the Government of Kenya’s opening remarks on behalf of Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and C S for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. He formally declared the conference open and affirmed Kenya’s commitment to the objectives of the Biological Weapons Convention.
As the National BWC Focal Point, the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) played a central role in hosting and coordinating the conference. The Acting Director General of NACOSTI, Dr. David Ngigi, welcomed the distinguished guests and participants. He expressed appreciation for their presence and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening the implementation of the Convention in their respective states.
The opening ceremony featured high-level remarks from H.E. Izumi Nakamitsu, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, H.E. Joshua Tabah, High Commissioner of Canada to Kenya., as well as representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Italy.
In her keynote address, H.E. Izumi Nakamitsu highlighted lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that the crisis exposed weaknesses in global health and security systems and stressed the need for stronger biosafety and biosecurity measures. She commended Africa’s progress in national legislation, the establishment of focal points, improved reporting through Confidence-Building Measures (CBM), and increasing regional coordination.
The UK Ministry of Defence through Lord Coaker, reaffirmed its long-standing support for the BWC, highlighting strengthened African networks through joint programs and ongoing engagement. It expressed its commitment to BWC universalization and implementation.
Representing the host nation, Prof. Abdulrazak highlighted key national achievements such as the Biosecurity Bill, the Strategic Goods Control Bill, strengthened laboratory biosafety and biosecurity systems, the CBRN Preparedness and Response Action Plan, and the launch of Africa’s first university degree programme in Biosafety and Biosecurity at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. He emphasized the importance of science diplomacy, regional cooperation, innovation and investment in capacity development.
As the conference continues from 26th to 28th November 2025, participants will engage in technical exchanges, regional consultations and forward-looking discussions aimed at identifying challenges, sharing best practices and strengthening Africa’s collective contribution to global biosecurity. The message from the opening sessionis clear. Africa is advancing with unity, expertise and strong partnerships to safeguard the continent and contribute to global peace and biological security.