Register here: https://tinyurl.com/ysf7mu32

In the ongoing PABS negotiations developing countries have called for the sharing of pathogen sequence information to be only with sequence databases that implement user registration, verification and PABS agreed data access agreement, elements essential to realise accountability, equity and  successfully deliver fair and equitable benefit sharing. 

The European Union, Norway, Germany and other developed countries strongly oppose this position. Under the guise of "Open Access", they say sequence databases that permit anonymous access and do not require any enforceable commitments to comply with the PABs system should be allowed to host PABS sequence information. 

This webinar will examine the implication of anonymous access to PABS Sequence Information, and whether it really is a defining feature of open access or simply a medium of digital biopiracy. Bringing together perspectives from bioinformatics, law, public health, and civil society, the discussion will explore whether PABS System will match State obligations to share sequence information with corresponding obligations on those who access and use as well as commercially gain from such information. The conversation will also consider biosecurity risks associated with anonymous pathogen data sharing and WHO's responsibilities in this regard. 

Moderator: Nithin Ramakrishnan, Third World Network

Speakers:

• Dr. Taime Sylvester, University of Namibia

• Tulio De Campos, Fiocruz

• Timothée Poisot, University of Montreal