Young Women Biosecurity Fellowship: Empowering Leaders

The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) launched a special edition of the Youth for Biosecurity Initiative to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), engaging ten young women scientists from the Global South in discussions surrounding the convention.

Young Women for Biosecurity Initiative Launched

The programme, financially supported by the European Union, consisted of online webinars held throughout November 2025, and an in-person study visit to Geneva, Switzerland in December 2025. The initiative aimed to explore topics related to the BWC through a gender lens, covering areas such as science diplomacy and leadership development.

A total of 19 speakers presented briefings and presentations to the Young Women for Biosecurity Fellows during the online workshops. Izumi Nakamitsu, the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, along with Ambassador Cervone d’Urso, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation, and Ambassador Meyer, Chair of the BWC Working Group, congratulated the Fellows during the inaugural webinar, encouraging them to apply their dedication to biosecurity within their communities.

From December 8-12, the cohort attended the Seventh Session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the BWC in Geneva, participating in briefings and exchanges with representatives from various organizations. They also connected with ten participants from the Nuclear Threat Initiative’s (NTI) Next Generation for Biosecurity Delegation, collaboratively publishing an outcome document outlining youth reflections, priorities, and an action plan for the BWC.

Briefings covered topics including the One Health Approach, presented by Madison Wimmers (WOAH) and Julio Pinto (FAO). The Fellows shared their perspectives with Mélanie Régimbal, Chief of UNODA’s Geneva Branch, discussing youth engagement in disarmament and career opportunities. Meetings were also held with Ambassador Cervone d’Urso and Igor Kucer, Counsellor in the Political Section for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation with the EU Delegation, to discuss applying the training in their home countries.

A panel discussion featuring Clarissa Rios Rojas, Somsanouk Keobounsan, Mely Caballero Anthony, and Lebogang Phihlela, provided insights into navigating careers in biosecurity as women, addressing work-life balance and workplace dynamics.

Liz Romero, a Young Women for Biosecurity Fellow, shared her experiences during a side-event co-organised by UNODA and NTI, focusing on the impact of diverse and inclusive engagement in strengthening the BWC. Shreyash Borkar, Sriram Kumar, and Kaitlyn Connors presented their winning entry from the Next Generation for Biosecurity Competition, highlighting the importance of youth voices in addressing emerging biosecurity issues.

The programme, officials stated, reflects advances in diverse and inclusive engagement during the 50th year of the BWC, emphasizing the value of expertise from all backgrounds in ensuring the convention’s continued relevance in the 21st century.