Notification 2022-073

Dear Madam/Sir, Following the publication of Biosafety Technical Series No.5 and with a view to respond to requests by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety , the Executive Secretary continues efforts to collaborate with relevant organizations and to build capacity in relation to the detection and identification of living modified organisms. Thus, I am pleased to announce that, with support from the Government of Germany, the German Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, the European Commission and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity are collaborating on an international conference on genetically modified organism (living modified organism) analysis and new genomic techniques, to be held in Berlin, Germany from 14 to 16 March 2023. The conference aims to provide an opportunity for experts to learn about the recent developments in the fields of detection and identification of living modified organisms and new genomic techniques, exchange information, and share experiences and best practises. Accordingly, I would like to invite your government to nominate an expert to take part in the conference. The nominee must be involved in the detection and identification of living modified organisms, have experience working in an analytical laboratory and must have an understanding of molecular biology, biotechnology and biology concepts related to biosafety. The official nomination must include: (i) an official nomination letter; (ii) the curriculum vitae (CV) of the expert; and (iii) a duly completed nomination form (see Annex). Participants will be selected on the basis of their relevant expertise, as well as geographical representation and gender balance. Only complete forms and nominations submitted through the Cartagena Protocol Focal Point will be considered. Due to the limited availability of funds for the conference, only nominees from eligible Parties to the Cartagena Protocol will receive financial assistance to cover the cost of travel and a daily subsistence allowance. Please note that the conference will be conducted in the English language. Nominations should be sent to the Secretariat via e-mail to secretariat@cbd.int or by fax at +1 514 288-6588. In order to enable the Secretariat to finalize arrangements for the conference in a timely manner, it would be appreciated if nominations are sent as soon as possible but no later than 13 January 2023. Submissions received after this deadline will not be considered. Thank you for your continued cooperation and support to the work of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: Cartagena Protocol National Focal Points, cc: Biosafety Clearing-House National Focal Points