CBD SBSTTA-28: Synthetic Biology Debates Set the Stage for COP17

Posted on August 07, 2026
By Dr Samantha O’Loughlin

Population Geneticist & Stakeholder Engagement Support Officer, Imperial College London
Target Malaria UK

The 28th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-28) in Nairobi highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing the future governance of synthetic biology under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Over five days of negotiations, delegates examined a new Thematic Action Plan (TAP) for synthetic biology while debating how emerging technologies should be assessed and governed in the years ahead. 

For organisations like Target Malaria, the discussions are significant because they touch on issues central to innovation in biodiversity and public health: science-based risk assessment, capacity building, and the role of expert advice in evaluating new technologies. 

Throughout the week, one theme remained consistent: the importance of case-by-case, science-based assessments. Delegates repeatedly defended language supporting evidence-driven decision-making, even as disagreements continued over precaution, horizon scanning and governance frameworks. 

 COP17 will take place in October in Yerevan, Armenia.