Fifty years ago, the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction (BWC) entered into force, becoming the first multilateral treaty to completely ban an entire category of weapons of mass destruction.

As one of the founders of the Convention, Ukraine actively contributed to its development and remains fully committed to its objectives and principles. We firmly believe that the implementation of the BWC is an integral part of global security, particularly in preventing biological threats and the misuse of scientific advancements for military purposes.

The effectiveness of the BWC relies on the collective efforts, responsibility, and dedication of all States Parties. Ukraine calls on all States Parties to further enhance the effectiveness of the Convention, including through the establishment of a verification mechanism to ensure compliance with its obligations. We also emphasize the importance of strengthening international cooperation in the field of biosafety, particularly in response to emerging global challenges. Building strong national capacities for infectious disease surveillance, such as COVID-19, as well as for prevention, diagnosis, and response, is crucial. In this regard, the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention serves as a key instrument for achieving these goals.

Regrettably, in recent years, we have witnessed irresponsible manipulations aimed at undermining trust in the Convention and international cooperation in biosafety. Through baseless accusations and spreading disinformation, the russian federation seeks to justify its aggression and divert attention from its own violations of international law. These destructive actions threaten the effective functioning of the BWC and undermine the collective efforts of the international community to strengthen the prohibition regime on biological weapons.

Ukraine remains a steadfast advocate of global initiatives to prevent biological threats and will continue to defend the principles of the Convention, ensuring that they remain inviolable even in the most challenging times.