The organization of this session in Kenya, following the meeting in December 2006 of the World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST) in Dakar, illustrates UNESCO’s aim to promote reflection on the ethics of science and technology in Africa and to contribute to increasing the continent’s capacities in this domain. Science, technology and scientific research for development were in fact the subjects addressed at the African Union’s most recent summit (Addis Ababa, January 2007), to which UNESCO’s Director-General, Koïchiro Matsuura, was invited as special guest.

Mr Matsuura, Nouzha Guessous Idrissi, Chairperson of the International Bioethics Committee, and George Saitoti, Kenya’s Minister for Education, will open the session at 9 a.m. on 17 May. “Bioethics issues – African perspectives” will be the first item on the agenda, beginning at 11 a.m. Pierre Effa (Cameroon) and Donna Knapp van Bogaert (South Africa) will give an overview of what is special about bioethics in Africa. Other speakers are Monique K. Wasunna (Kenya) on “Challenges and institutional constraints on bioethics development in Africa;” Charles O.N. Wambebe on “Moral sensibilities and emerging technologies: Implications for Africa;” and Jackton B. Ojwang and Paul M. Ndebele on “Legislative and administrative measures for the implementation of the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights in Africa.”

During its session in 2005, the IBC decided to focus on two principles cited in the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights – the first, consent (articles 6 and 7) and the second, social responsibility and health (article 14). Two Working Groups were started for that purpose. The Nairobi session will provide the opportunity, on May 18, for the IBC as a whole to examine, first, the report of the Working Group on consent and second, the draft report of the Working Group on social responsibility and health*.

The IBC will spend Saturday reflecting on its future work programme. Presentations are planned on neuroethics, genetic testing, and respect for human vulnerability and personal integrity.

Created in 1993, the International Bioethics Committee is a body of 36 independent experts that aims to provide guidance for international reflection on progress in the life sciences and its applications and to ensure respect for human dignity and freedom. The IBC ensures better comprehension of the ethical issues raised by scientific and technological advances, thus enabling States to formulate appropriate legislation and policies regarding bioethics.

On 18 May, as a side event during the IBC session, UNESCO’s Director-General will inaugurate the Regional Centre for Documentation and Research on Bioethics at Egerton University, the oldest institution of higher education in Kenya.