CONSULTATIVE MEETING “INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION IN HEALTH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (S&T) DURING THE PANDEMIC: LESSONS LEARNED AND WAYS FORWARD FOR BUILDING PANDEMIC RESILIENCE FROM A BIOSAFETY & BIOSECURITY PERSPECTIVE”

 

The challenges of the pandemic not only test the resilience of the global health system but also underscore the importance of international collaboration in responding to health crises. In this context, a consultation meeting with the theme “INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION IN HEALTH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (S&T) DURING THE PANDEMIC: LESSONS LEARNED AND WAYS FORWARD FOR BUILDING PANDEMIC RESILIENCE FROM A BIOSAFETY & BIOSECURITY PERSPECTIVE” stands as a significant forum for experts, researchers, and policymakers to share insights, lessons, and innovative strategies.

This meeting, a collaborative effort between INDOHUN (Indonesian One Health University Network) and HSP (Health Security Partners) funded by the US BEP (Biosecurity Engagement Program), Department of State, aims to address the urgent need for increased pandemic resilience. Focused specifically on biosafety and biosecurity perspectives, the event seeks to navigate the complexity of emergency health management, drawing on experiences gained during the ongoing global health crisis.

The consultation meeting provides a platform for stakeholders to reflect on the challenges faced in health, science, and technology during the pandemic. Learnings from international collaborations, scientific advancements, and technological innovations will be at the core of discussions. This meeting will serve as a means to expedite the identification of successful strategies implemented by countries and foster collective understanding of effective pandemic response mechanisms. Additionally, the event will explore the roles of biosafety and biosecurity measures in building resilient health systems, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing future global health threats.

Highlighting the importance of partnerships and cooperation, this meeting is conducted to contribute significantly to global health security. By exploring the challenges faced and lessons learned from the past pandemic, the meeting also aims to chart the course for building strong pandemic resilience. As stakeholders gather to share expertise and insights, the collaborative spirit inherent in this event provides a glimmer of hope for a future where global health crises can be overcome through coordinated and effective responses rooted in international cooperation and knowledge sharing.

Recognizing the urgency, a Consultative Meeting has been conducted under the theme “INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION IN HEALTH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (S&T) DURING THE PANDEMIC: LESSONS LEARNED AND WAYS FORWARD FOR BUILDING PANDEMIC RESILIENCE FROM A BIOSAFETY & BIOSECURITY PERSPECTIVE.”

The event was held for two days on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 12-13, 2023, at the Gran Melia Hotel Jakarta, 3rd Floor Kuta Room, Jakarta. 

For this event, expert teams, researchers from universities, government agencies, and private companies were invited, among others:

1. Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia
2. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (SKHB), Bogor Agricultural University (IPB)
3. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Airlangga University
4. Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University
5. Head of Health Crisis Center, Ministry of Health
6. Chair of the Labkesmas Task Force, Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health
7. Center for Health Resilience System Policy and Health Resources, 
8. National Agency of Health Security (BKPK), Ministry of Health
9. Directorate of Animal Health, Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture
10. National Disaster Mitigation Agency
11. Expert Team of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force
12. Pusvetma – Ministry of Agriculture’s Veterinary Drug Center
13. PT. Biofarma
14. PT. Biotis Pharmaceutical Indonesia
15. Nusantara Genetika
16. Eisenhower Fellowship Indonesia
17. World Health Organization Indonesia

This activity was opened virtually by Dariel A. Hopersberger, PhD, the Program Advisor – US BEP Washington. It was then followed by remarks from Ms. Wahyuni Kamah, the Biosecurity Engagement Program (BEP) Manager, US Embassy – Jakarta. Next, there were direct remarks from Libby Cha, the Program Manager of Health Security Partners (HSP). The final address, also marking the commencement of the event, was delivered by Prof. Dr. Agus Suwandono, MPH, Dr.PH, the coordinator of the Indonesian One Health University Network (INDOHUN).

For 2 days, participants engaged in intensive discussions and deliberated on several case studies. The materials acquired during the 2-day event included:

Day one : 

1. Opening discussion : International Collaboration for Pandemic Response, Libby Cha, HSP
2. Disinformation and Scientific Collaboration: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic, Dr. Tatyana Novossiolova, Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD)
3. International Collaboration in Research and Innovation,  Dr. Tatyana Novossiolova, Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD)

Day two : 

1. Risks of Misuse in Life Sciences, Dr. Tatyana Novossiolova, CSD
2. Closing discussion : Lessons Learned and Ways Forward for Building Pandemic Resilience from a Biosafety & Biosecurity Perspective, Libby Cha, HSP

The consultation meeting themed “INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION IN HEALTH, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY (S&T) DURING THE PANDEMIC,” which has been conducted, has proven to be a crucial milestone in the efforts to achieve global health resilience. Over the dynamic two days, experts, researchers from universities, government institutions, and private companies gathered to actively engage in discussions, share valuable insights, and learn from their diverse experiences. This collaborative effort demonstrates a commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships across institutional affiliations.

It is evident that the challenges posed by this pandemic require an approach rooted in biosafety and biosecurity principles. The exchange of knowledge and best practices among participants has laid the foundation for a collective understanding of the vital role of international collaboration in mitigating the impacts of health crises. Moving forward, the lessons learned from this meeting must be a driving force in building resilience against pandemics. The momentum generated during these two days of active discourse must be sustained through continuous collaboration and information sharing to nurture a global community ready to face future health challenges.

In a broader context, this meeting exemplifies the strength of uniting various perspectives and expertise to address urgent global issues. The participation of experts from diverse sectors highlights the interconnectedness of health, science, and technology in our response to pandemics. As the meeting concludes, we hope to witness tangible outcomes from these discussions manifested in policies, research initiatives, and collaborative projects contributing to a more resilient and secure global health. The success of this event is not only measured by the knowledge shared but also by the relationships established, laying the groundwork for a future where international collaboration remains a cornerstone in our collective struggle against health crises.