UN Task Force on Pandemic Prevention in an Age of Risky Research, Synthetic Biology, Artificial Intelligence, and the Potential for Bioterrorism

This proposal advocates for the establishment of a United Nations Task Force to address emerging global risks from synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and bioterrorism. Through a two-stage process, the Task Force would first conduct a comprehensive fact-finding exercise on pandemic causes, laboratory-acquired infections, and technological advancements, followed by actionable recommendations to enhance biosafety, biosecurity, and international oversight. Key measures include amending the Biological Weapons Convention to enable inspections of high-containment laboratories, implementing early warning systems for pathogen detection, and fostering global cooperation on synthetic biology research. By modeling the societal impacts of hypothetical pandemics, the initiative underscores the urgency of prevention and preparedness. This framework aims to strengthen international health security and mitigate risks that could disrupt civilization.