Prof Killian appointed to UNESCO’s International Bioethics Committee (IBC)
UNESCO Representative in Tanzania, Mr Michel Toto has congratulated Professor Bernedeta Killian on her appointment by the UNESCO Director General, Ms Audrey Azoulay to the UNESCO International Bioethics Committee (IBC).
Prof Killian, who is the Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Dar es Salaam, and appointed to the Committee for a period of four years, from 2022 to 2025, effectively assumed her tenure on 30 June 2022.
Since 1998, the IBC has had Statutes defining its mandate and composition. The Director-General of UNESCO convenes the IBC at least once a year. Through its sessions and working groups, the Committee produces advice and recommendations on specific issues related to bioethics. The recommendations, adopted by consensus are widely disseminated, and submitted to the Director-General for transmission to the Member States, the Executive Board and the General Conference.
The Committee promotes reflection on ethical and legal issues raised by research in the life sciences and their applications and encourages the exchange of ideas, information and action to heighten awareness among the general public, specialized groups and public and private decision-makers involved in bioethics. The Committee also cooperates with international governmental and non-governmental organizations concerned by the issues raised in the field of bioethics as well as with the national and regional bioethics committees and similar bodies. It as well, contributes to the dissemination of the principles set out in the UNESCO Declarations in the field of bioethics, and to the further examination of issues raised by their applications and by the evolution of the technologies in question.
The Director-General appoints the IBC members to serve in their personal capacities for four-year terms.
UNESCO in Tanzania is proud of this recognition of Professor Killian’s outstanding work and contribution to this field and stands ready to support her through the tenure of her membership.