Announcement: BWC Advanced Education Course
[Applications open until 29 September]
State Parties, particularly from the Global South, often lack the resources, knowledge, and expertise to participate in the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) diplomatic process more meaningfully. To address this challenge, UNIDIR, Diplo Foundation and FRS are organizing the BWC Advanced Education Course (BWCedu).
The course will equip key stakeholders – government officials in capital with responsibilities in BWC implementation, aspiring and active diplomats and life scientists working on BWC issues and biological threats – with the essential knowledge, skills and expertise to actively participate in the BWC diplomatic process and thus contribute to a stronger and more effective Convention.
The BWCedu comprises a five-month advanced education programme. Through this programme, 25 participants will gain in-depth knowledge of the Convention, the diplomatic landscape and relevant scientific advancements.
The course will employ diverse learning methods, including online lectures, real-time engagement through webinars with experts and Working Group delegates and a week-long interactive in-person session in Geneva. Course participants will be provided with access to a collection of resources and information to support independent study on aspects of the BWC.
In its first iteration, the comprehensive programme will focus on the current Working Group agenda items, including the two mechanisms on science & technology and international cooperation and assistance being developed for consideration at the Tenth Review Conference, or earlier at a Special Conference if requested by a majority of State Parties. The course will prepare participants for ongoing engagement in the evolving framework of the BWC, empowering them to contribute to informed decision-making.
Objectives
The underlying objective of the BWCedu project is to strengthen the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention through the following sub-objectives:
- Develop and deliver a comprehensive BWC curriculum covering essential topics related to the BWC diplomatic processes and the current Working Group efforts.
- Provide participants with a strong understanding of the BWC framework, including its history, key concepts and potential future developments.
- Develop the skills of government experts and current and future diplomats in critical thinking, analysis, communication and negotiation. During the course, Participants will apply their knowledge and insights to real-world scenarios related to the BWC. At the end of the course, participants will be able to prepare for the BWC meetings in depth and effectively contribute to discussions and decision-making processes.
- Build a diverse, vibrant and enduring international community of biological disarmament practitioners.
Curriculum
The BWC Advanced Education Course consists of four segments of activities undertaken over a five-month period between October 2024 and February 2025:
- A preparatory module to be completed online through self-paced learning (week 1).
- A series of issue-specific online modules comprising live lectures, virtual self-paced activities and interactive exercises, as well as an online community space for ongoing interaction. The modules will be released and available for completion for two weeks each (October through February).
- A final coursework project in which participants will undertake independent research supported by leading experts (December-January).
- A week-long intensive in-person segment in which participants will travel to Geneva (early February). This segment includes additional lectures, as well as visits to the United Nations and other related organizations; a science and technology advisory mechanism simulation exercise, among other interactive activities; and a session during which participants present their independent research.
Note that travel to Geneva for all participants is fully funded by UNIDIR (domestic and international travel and daily subsistence allowance).
However, travel support to the in-person segment is conditional upon active participation in the online modules. Course participants must commit to participate fully in all course activities. The time commitment will vary, but participants should expect to invest ten hours per two weeks to complete course assignments with additional time required to participate in the virtual events foreseen in each module.
Application requirements
Candidates should have current or anticipated responsibilities relevant to the BWC process, being government officials working in capital, aspiring and active diplomats or life scientists. Experts from universities, research institutes and other non-governmental organizations working on issues related to the BWC are also invited to submit applications. The course will be taught in English, and all candidates should have a working knowledge of English.
Candidates should submit their application by email to wmd-unidir@un.org with the subject line “Application BWCedu” and include the following:
- A short CV (no more than 2 pages), including the candidate’s position and contact details.
- A personal motivation statement of no more than 500 words, outlining the candidate’s areas of interest and indicating how the applicant will apply the knowledge and insights acquired through the course in their day-to-day activities.
- An authorization from the candidate’s employer allowing participation in the course from October 2024 to February 2025, including the in-person week in Geneva.
The application deadline is Sunday, 29 September 2024, at midnight Geneva time (CEST or UTC+02:00). Only timely and complete applications will be considered.
Selection criteria
The course is limited to a maximum of 25 participants. A selection panel comprised of the course leaders and the three co-organizing institutions will select the participants based on their eligibility, qualifications and interest, while taking into account equitable geographic and gender representation.
For any questions, please contact wmd-unidir@un.org.
