From June 9 – 12, the Nuclear Threat Initiative Global Biological Policy and Programs (NTI | bio) will join global leaders and policymakers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at the fourth Global Health Security Conference (GHS 2026).
At a time of growing biological risks, ongoing outbreaks, and shrinking public health resources, GHS 2026 presents an important opportunity to advance practical, collaborative approaches that strengthen health security worldwide.
NTI | bio experts will host, moderate, and participate in a number of sessions. Among the highlights, NTI | bio and our partners will preview findings from the forthcoming Africa Health Security (AHS) Index. Our team will also convene a timely discussion on the need for stronger health-security partnerships amid dwindling resources. NTI | bio has worked with partners to develop multiple conference sessions:
Beyond Silos: Bridging Health and Security in an Era of Shifting Threats and Investments
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
1:00pm-2:00pm
Preventing, preparing for, and responding to biological incidents is inherently multi‑sectoral, requiring coordinated action across health, security, defense, and law enforcement. Yet, these efforts have often been siloed, with sectors working in parallel rather than in partnership. This session aims to close that gap by advancing integrated policy and practice across these communities —at a time when health outcomes increasingly depend on defense-sector engagement and funding, and security outcomes rely more than ever on health system resilience.
Featuring:
- Trevor Smith, Global Affairs Canada’s Weapons Threat Reduction Program
- Dr. Claire Standley, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)
- Zibusiso Masuku, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
- Associate Professor Poh Lian Lim, Asia Center for Health Security
Session moderated by NTI | bio Director David Stiefel.
Securing Our Future: Advancing Policies, Practices, and Investments at the Nexus of Biosecurity and Health Security
Thursday, June 11, 2026
10:45am- 11:45am
Discussion will address how initiatives such as the International BioFunders Compact and Forum can help to align global life science funders around a shared commitment to embed biosafety and biosecurity into funding decisions, sharing best practices, and reducing support for high-risk research.
Featuring:
Session moderated by Courtney Carson, Resilience Action Network International (Rani).
Delivering Biosecurity Under the Pandemic Accord: Global Mechanisms for Managing Emerging Biological Risks
The session will highlight the “three-legged stool” approach to biosecurity, which frames global readiness as dependent on strong norms and governance, robust technical capabilities, and clear incentives and accountability mechanisms.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
11:45am-12:45pm
Featuring:
Session moderated by Peter Babigumira Ahabwe, Ministry of Health, Uganda
Previewing the 2026 Africa Health Security Index: Transforming Health Security Through Data
Friday, June 12, 2026
2:30pm-3:30pm
The session will preview the 2026 Africa Health Security (AHS) Index, set for release in July 2026. The forthcoming Index will enable African leaders to measure, finance, and advance improvements in health security and create an evidence-based accountability framework to track progress toward better health security on the continent. The AHS Index offers transparent, comparable metrics designed to support leaders and policymakers, and drive action.
Featuring:
- Peter Babigumira Ahabwe, Ministry of Health, Uganda
- Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, Pandemic Center, Brown School of Public Health
- Ian Peter Busuulwa, World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
Session moderated by NTI | bio Senior Director Rachel Staley Grant
In addition to the above, NTI | bio Director David Stiefel will also moderate multiple GHS Conference-organized panels, guiding discussions across biothreat reduction, health security, and dual-use technology.
Biothreat Reduction and Health Security Strategy
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
11:45am-12:45pm
Featuring:
- Geoffrey Namara, World Health Organization Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence
- Dr. Gigi Gronvall, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Dr. Alex Tasker, University of Bristol
Early Warning in Fragile Settings: Building One Health Surveillance for Transboundary Disease Threats
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
10:45am-11:45am
Featuring:
- Dr. Alex Tasker, University of Bristol
- Dr. Erin Sorrell, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Cat McGillycudy, United Kingdom Health Security Agency
Access, Accountability, and Arms Control: Navigating Dual-Use Technology in Global Health Security
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
2:15pm-3:15pm
Featuring:
- Rose Bernard, Kings College London
- Sharon Malonza, Centre for Long-Term Resilience
- Ines Mergler, Robert Kock Institute
Emerging Challenges and Converging Risks: Biotech Innovation, AI, & Dual-Use Research of Concern (DURC)
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
3:45pm-4:45pm
Featuring:
- Dr. Kirsten Weand, International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS)
- Dr. Claire Standley, CEPI
- Dr. Sana Zakaria, RAND Europe