The international centre for genetic engineering and biotechnology of UNIDO

Abstract

The idea of creating an International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) was raised about ten years ago within the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the UN agency established to promote the industrial development of third world countries. Several scientists advising UNIDO'suggested that progress in genetic engineering techniques and advanced biotechnology could offer possible solutions to the most pressing problems (health, nutrition and economic development) of the developing world. Biotechnological products give high return for relatively little investment in terms of energy, raw materials and capital expenditure. These features make such processes attractive for the economic development of third world countries. In 1982, at a conference held in Belgrade, the ministerial representatives of 35 UNIDO member countries agreed on the importance of creating 'a centre of excellence for research and training in genetic engineering and biotechnology addressed to the needs of the developing world'. The Statutes of the Centre were signed in Madrid in 1983 and 43 countries have signed them to date (see Table 1). The Centre, governed by a Preparatory Committee with representatives of the member countries, has started its activity, provisionally as a special project of UNIDO. The Statutes stipulate that when 24 countries have ratified, the ICGEB will become an Autonomous Intergovernmental Organization. ICGEB has been established as a