Minister Pandor to address the opening of the 22nd Session of the Board of Governors of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, will tomorrow at 09:00 deliver the opening address at the 22nd Session of the Board of Governors of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

About ICGEB

The ICGEB plays an important role in biosafety-related issues and in the environmentally sustainable use of biotechnology.

The Centre provides an online, bibliographic database on biosafety, and a search mechanism on risk assessment for the release of genetically modified organisms.  It is active in enhancing the safe and peaceful use of biotechnology and is promoting the adoption of ethical codes for researchers working in the life sciences, while developing original policies for intellectual propertyin this field.  In addition, technical advice is provided to member states on request for the formulation of national bioscience policy, the definition of research goals, the development of national bioindustries, and the establishment of national biotechnology laboratories.

Media are invited as follows:

Event:         22nd Session of the Board of Governors of the International Centre for

                  Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology meeting

Venue:        Cape Town International Convention Centre

Time:          09:00

Issued by the Department of Science and Technology.

**For enquiries, please contact:**Lunga Ngqengelele, Media Liaison Officer, at 082 566 0446