Global Events

Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction

Conference on Biothreat Reduction_Aerial view of Geneva
9:00am - 5:00pm (GMT+1:00)
CICG Conference Center, Geneva, Switzerland
    Overview

    In October 2025, WOAH is hosting its third Global Conference, with the goal of galvanising advocacy efforts to manage the rising risk of biological threats from across the world.  
     
    The Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction – which will take place in Geneva on 28-30 October 2025 – will bring together top minds in the fields of
    health-security, emerging technologies, and biothreat reduction policies, from the public and private sectors – to focus on the latest strategies, challenges and innovations in combating biological threats to our interconnected ecosystems. 
     
    The Conference will bring together approximately 400 participants from different sectors, including animal health, law enforcement and security, public health, international and regional organisations, investment and development partners, private sector and industry representatives, research, academia and regulatory authorities, youth organisations.

    Attendees will engage in thought-provoking discussions and innovative technical presentations aimed at strengthening prevention, preparedness and response capabilities across the world. 
     
    The event will be guided by a narrative that traces WOAH’s commitment to biological threat reduction and the increasingly relevant role it plays at the health-security interface. Against the backdrop of an uncertain future, WOAH believes that synergies between sectors can drive positive change – making the world a safer and healthier place. 

    Explore the programme

    Participation  

    The conference will be conducted in face-to-face format, featuring simultaneous interpretation in English, French and Spanish. Participation will be by invitation, with limited seats also available via a public registration link (information coming soon).

    Registered participants are invited to submit abstracts for consideration for the Poster Session, a key platform for showcasing innovative approaches, tools and results-driven actions relevant to the field of biological threat reduction. 

    Context


    In today’s precarious world, the risk of unintended or deliberate misuse of animal pathogens is a growing concern due to advances in biotechnology and accessibility. This increasing threat to global security can no longer be ignored. From disease outbreaks to environmental disasters and accidents, extreme events only compound the challenge undermining our ability to respond to unexpected, unforeseeable threats.  
     
    However, the collaboration between health and security stands as one of the promising solutions to mitigate such risks. By bridging expertise and resources, different sectors can work together to prevent the misuse of biological agents and enhance collective responses to emerging threats.  
     
    WOAH is a strong advocate for global health security. Without it, everyone’s future is at stake. A year after marking its 100th year of activity, WOAH continues to look to the future and how emerging trends will shape the animal health world. The Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction offers a fitting opportunity to reflect on past challenges, anticipate future risks and identify new areas for world-changing action.  
      
    The organisation of this event is supported by funding from the Weapons Threat Reduction Program of Global Affairs Canada. 

    Objectives

    Learn from the past and prepare for the future

    Strengthen international efforts in biological threat reduction

    Foster multi-sectoral partnerships in global health

    Identify innovative strategies

    Expected outcomes

    Recognise the importance of animal health and the One Health approach in biological threat reduction

    Support situational awareness and risk management with case studies and a global stocktake of biological threat reduction efforts

    Facilitate access to resources, strengthen network connections and identify practical pathways for cross-sectoral collaboration 

    Secure commitments to strengthen cross-sector partnerships, dialogue and tangible action to tackle biological threats

    Programme and Key Topics

    Join us for critical conversations that will drive global efforts to mitigate biological risks worldwide. This year’s conference offers a timely opportunity to explore the
    ever-evolving landscape of biological threats by learning from the past and preparing for the future.

    Key topics

    One Health and Security: The biological threat landscape Deliberate biological threats 
    Neglected deliberate biological threats   Emerging disruptive technologies 
    Innovation to improve the sustainability of laboratories  Advances in surveillance and diagnostic technologies for biological threat reduction 
    Sustainable approaches in emergency management Strengthening global frameworks for biological threat reduction
    Advocacy and investment strategies for biological threat reduction Taking action for collective biological threat reduction    
    Explore the full programme

    Poster Session

    Participants are invited to submit abstracts for consideration for the Poster Session, a key platform for showcasing innovative approaches, tools and results-driven actions relevant to the field of biological threat reduction. Posters will be displayed throughout the duration of the Conference, with the official session being held during the Opening Cocktail on Tuesday 28 October.

    For questions related to this Conference, please contact:

    [email protected]