International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Presentation to NCOP Select Committee On Education and Recreation Dhesigen Naidoo DDG:International Mmabatho Mpomane DD:Multilateral Dept of Science and Technology

2 OVERVIEW OF PRESENTATION ●SA and GEB History of ICGEB ● ICGEB Objectives ● Structure of ICGEB ● Service Offerings ● Research Programme ● Training and Funding Programme ● General Membership Benefits ● Benefits for South Africa ● South Africa’s Interaction with ICGEB ● Way-forward

3 SA and GE & Biotechnology International prescripts and law A pragmatic approach A responsible approach An innovative approach An empowering approach

HISTORY OF ICGEB Established in 1983, Trieste and New Delhi. Established in 1983, Trieste and New Delhi. Initially funded by the host govts. Initially funded by the host govts. In 1987 a special programme of UNIDO. In 1987 a special programme of UNIDO. In 1994 ICGEB an autonomous IGO In 1994 ICGEB an autonomous IGO In 1995 ICGEB a UN affiliate In 1995 ICGEB a UN affiliate

ICGEB OBJECTIVES ICGEB is committed to advance research and training in molecular biology and biotechnology for the benefit of and building capacity in developing countries. The centre applies scientific knowledge in the fields of: ●Health ● Energy ● Industrial production ● Nutrition ● Environmental protection

STRUCTURE OF ICGEB Board of Governors, with representatives from member states, and a Council of Scientific Advisers who are responsible for overseeing scientific excellence of the ICGEB. ICGEB also has affiliated centres that are established research institutes in member states. Affiliated centres host ICGEB training activities and channel the resources and services of the centre to local institutions. ● There are 47 countries are members, mainly developing countries of ICGEB ● More than 270 people from 28 different countries are employees of ICGEB.

What the ICGEB OFFERS ICGEB provides the following services for its member states: ● Bioinformatics and computing resources ● Database functions ● Technical support ● Biosafety advice ● Biotechnology development ● Advisory services ● Training and funding programme ● Research programme

RESEARCH PROGRAMME Strengthening international co-operation amongst member states and Building research capacity for developing countries. The areas of focus include: ● Plant biology - crop improvement ● Human health - infectious diseases, vaccine production and molecular medicine ● Basic molecular biology problems addressing the control of cell proliferation

TRAINING AND FUNDING PROGRAMME ICGEB offers long and short-term training programmes focusing on: ● Fellowships for pre and post-doctoral training programme. ● Annual scientific courses and meetings. ● Grants for collaborative research.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS ICGEB offers member countries opportunities in: ● Bilateral and multilateral co-operation programmes in science and technology research ● Training facilities for scientists at the centres ● Furthering biotechnology research for member countries ● Providing an intergovernmental forum where policy issues related to biosafety and technology transfer are discussed

BENEFITS FOR SOUTH AFRICA ICGEB benefits for South Africa include: ● Participation in Research Programmes ● Access to pre and post doctoral training ● Able to host scientific meetings and participating in courses ● Participate in biotechnology policy dialogue ● Possible hosting of a third ICGEB affiliate centre that will be aligned with NEPAD objectives ● Possibility of being appointed to the position of Auditor-General

12 Further Benefits Lobbying forum for Africa and developing countries A knowledge platform for problems of the South A proactive engagement with the GEB debate A trade platform to engage the WTO

SOUTH AFRICA and the ICGEB ● DST attend the Board of Governors meeting in November ● Board of Governors has approved South African membership but South African Parliament must still ratify membership and South Africa formally deposit its instruments of accession

SOUTH AFRICA and the ICGEB ● South African support for WSSD partnership initiative, the establishment of an African Regional Centre for Infectious Diseases

15 Way forward ● Finalise South Africa’s formal membership ● Establish a South African ICGEB committee Participate in the Board of Governors - November 2003 ● Engage high-level political dialogue regarding possible establishment of third campus in Africa Accelerate ICGEB Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases in SA ● Ensure alignment of ICGEB objectives with NEPAD