On July 8, 2016, Dr. Chen Kane, MENACS founder participated in CNS and the US Department of State co-sponsored workshop on the challenges and opportunities presented by the Eighth Review Conference of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC). The workshop, held at the CNS Washington office, examined what is at stake at the Review Conference that will take place from November 7-25, 2016, in Geneva. The workshop’s participants discussed what state parties need to accomplish, what is possible given the political circumstances, and the consequences of failing to meet those aims. Participants also analyzed the history of the BWC and its development, the best way to engage key stakeholders such as industry and non-governmental organizations, relevant trends in biology and biological security, and the BWC’s role in addressing current and future security challenges. Dr. Kane presented MENACS initiative to strengthening participation of Middle Eastern countries in the BWC Review Conference Process and CBMs submissions.
