In 2026, France will focus on key thematic priorities:
🔹Bio: Detection & #SIMBA_BIO – focusing on Francophone African countries
🔹NRS: Emergency response, emerging tech, support to Ukraine
🔹Chem: Support to Syria & Ukraine
🔹CBRN: WMD-relevant tech & WMD disinfo
🗞️ This issue features:
▪️ An intro to France’s 2026 GP Presidency
▪️ A wrap-up of Canada’s Presidency
▪️ Highlights from the 2025 Programming Annex
▪️ Updates from @gp-wmdctrdisinfo.bsky.social & #SIMBA_BIO initiatives
▪️ Recent #CBRN programming highlights from GP members and partners
🔗 Learn more about the GP-led #SIMBA_BIO: www.gpwmd.com/signature-initiative-to-mitigate-bio-threats-in-africa
📍 This week 50 African states met in Kenya to exchange on BWC Implementation at the African Conference on the Biological Weapons Convention. Supported by the
#BWCISU and #SIMBA_BIO they identified challenges, needs and priorities in African subregions.
📰 In this issue
🔸 A spotlight on Uatom.org - Ukraine’s longest-running public platform for nuclear & radiation safety
🔸 Updates from @GPctrDisinfo & #SIMBA_BIO initiatives
🔸 Plus, a roundup of recent #CBRN programming highlights from across the GP community
As discussions continue at the #1972BWC, #SIMBA_BIO offers a clear example of how international commitments can be translated into regional action through collaborative partnerships. 🤝 🌍
🔗 Learn more about the GP-led #SIMBA_BIO: www.gpwmd.com/signature-initiative-to-mitigate-bio-threats-in-africa
National experts from African States Parties shared their experiences with #SIMBA_BIO & explored future African-GP collaboration with other States Parties, including through the UNODA-led project on ‘Supporting Universalization & Effective Implementation of the BWC in Africa’.
📍 Today, on the margins of the Sixth Session of the Working Group on Strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention #1972BWC, a #SIMBA_BIO side event highlighted recent collaboration with the #BWCISU & African-GP partners.
Inside this issue 🗞️
🔹 Continued GP support for Ukraine & @OPCW missions in Syria
🔹 Progress on a new strategy for WMD-relevant tech
🔹 Recent developments from the #SIMBA_BIO
🔹 Plus - more #CBRN programming updates & a preview of what’s ahead!
Current focus areas include:
🔹 Securing & destroying CBRN materials
🔹 Protecting critical infrastructure
🔹 Strengthening global networks
🔹 Supporting African biosecurity via #SIMBA_Bio
🔹 Countering WMD-relevant tech & disinformation
Last week the team were in Lisbon attending the @gpwmd.bsky.social #SIMBA_BIO workshop and presenting the initiative’s work on countering #CBRN #disinformation.
These back-to-back meetings reflect the continued commitment to strengthening biosafety, biosecurity, and health security across Africa – through collaborative partnerships. 🌍 🤝
🔗 Learn more about the GP-led #SIMBA_BIO: www.gpwmd.com/signature-initiative-to-mitigate-bio-threats-in-africa
📍 This week in Addis Ababa, two #SIMBA_BIO meetings marked a major milestone:
✅ The conclusion of Phase 1 of the #AfricaCDC Biosafety & Biosecurity Strategy (BSBS)
✅ The launch of Phase 2 of the Health Security Partnership to Strengthen Disease Surveillance in Africa (HSPA)
The workshop brings together regional experts, governments, and #G7 partners to foster sustainable, multisectoral collaboration in #BioSafety and #BioSecurity for Lusophone Africa. 🤝 🌍
🔗 Learn more about #SIMBA_BIO: www.gpwmd.com/signature-initiative-to-mitigate-bio-threats-in-africa
This week in Lisbon, partners are meeting to discuss how the #GPWMD supported #SIMBA_BIO, can be implemented in African Lusophone Countries to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity.
Built with African partners and supported by the #GPWMD, #SIMBA_BIO is helping build stronger systems across the continent to safeguard health and reduce the impact of biological threats.
🔗 Learn more: www.gpwmd.com/signature-initiative-to-mitigate-bio-threats-in-africa
🤝 In partnership with #AfricaCDC and local institutions, #SIMBA_BIO supports sustainable, long-term capacities that strengthen health security and bio risk management.
From Ebola to COVID-19, biological threats continue to challenge global health security.
#SIMBA_BIO aims to strengthen health security across Africa by enhancing capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to biological threats. 🛡️
🌍 The Signature Initiative to Mitigate Biological Threats in Africa – #SIMBA_BIO – is a #GPWMD initiative supporting Africa’s efforts to prevent and respond to biological threats.
📖 In this issue:
🔸 highlights from February's GP Working Group Meetings in Ottawa
🔸 a feature article from #SIMBA_BIO co-chairs
🔸 details on the establishment of a SIMBA Coordination Unit
🔸 & more #CBRN programming activities & upcoming threat reduction events
📰 Co-chairs Yenew Kebede & Wilmot James of #GPWMD's Signature Initiative to Mitigate Bio Threats in Africa discuss how #SIMBA_BIO is driving continental biosafety & biosecurity in Africa in this feature article. Read it at the link below!
🔗 bit.ly/4kQ2nmD
Africa's naturally occurring pathogens pose bio threats globally. In collaboration with Africa CDC, the GP’s #SIMBA_BIO is working to enhance biosafety & biosecurity by bolstering pan-African health security to prevent, detect, & respond to high-consequence outbreaks.
Today #GPWMD partners discussed Canada’s #G7 GP priorities, including:
🔹 Expanding engagement with partners globally, particularly on #SIMBA_BIO
🔹 Addressing cross-cutting issues such as WMD-related tech & disinfo
🔹 Enhancing internal GP operations & project coordination
