Third World Network (TWN)

Third World Network (TWN) is a southern-based international network of organizations and individuals involved in issues relating to development, and North-South issues. Its objectives are to conduct research on economic, social and environmental issues pertaining to the South; to publish books and magazines; to organize and participate in seminars; and to provide a platform representing broad Southern interests and perspectives at international fora such as the UN conferences and processes. SwedBio took over the support to TWN from Sida in 2002. The programme that SwedBio supports focuses on capacity building of scientists, lawyers, and Government representatives as well as NGOs from developing countries to participate and negotiate in international and regional meetings, and in development of national laws, policies and strategies on biodiversity and biosafety issues.

SwedBio currently supports TWN for the Biosafety and Biodiversity Programme of the Third World Network (TWN), July 2004-June 2007.

Main activities of the programme are:

1. Capacity building (international, regional and national)
2. Research, publications and information dissemination
3. Participation in international processes
4. Participation in national and regional processes
5. Staff and network development

Previous support from SwedBio includes "Workshops and side events on biodiversity and biosafety during COP7 of the CBD and MOP1 of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (February 2004)". SwedBio contributed to TWN's improved co-ordination and greater activity of NGOs and indigenous peoples' organizations at COP7 of the CBD and MOP1 of the Cartagena Protocol. The work included preparation for the meetings as well as a number of side events and activities during the meetings.  

TWN - MOP1: Main results and highlights

Since the meetings were hosted by Malaysia, TWN (with its International Secretariat in Malaysia) was able to carry out many activities as well as participate in the Malaysian government's planning process as a member of the National Technical Committee for COP/MOP. TWN also co-organised a National NGO Workshop on the CBD and Cartagena Protocol in December 2003. This was as part of the Malaysian Environmental NGOs (MENGOs) coalition that comprises 18 organisations - community groups, national NGOs and TWN. TWN also assisted in, via MENGO, to provide logistical support for NGOs from outside Malaysia, and obtain facilities from the Secretariat that enabled NGOs to work well during the meetings.

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety MOP 1 (23-27 February)

A regional preparatory workshop in Latin America : To prepare for MOP1 for the Group of Latin American and Carribean (GURLAC) countries was held in Lima, Peru in January. The workshop was organised by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Environmental Council, in collaboration with TWN.

International Biosafety Seminar, 22 February, (the day before MOP1 inauguration). TWN organised an international conference that was attended by more than 120 delegates, NGOs and UN officials. The scientific issues raised made an impact on the negotiations. TWN also organised two side events at MOP1 - "Critical Issues in Implementing Biosafety" (24 February), and "Liability and Redress: Lessons from Real Life" (26 February) - as well as participated and gave presentations in events organised by other organisations.

Among the written outcomes of the project are ten briefing papers and many publications on biosafety that were distributed widely during MOP1. In addition, TWN and partners gave many interviews, and wrote articles on the MOP1 outcomes. For more information on TWN publications and achievements look here.