Thank you Chair,

The Netherlands supports the establishment of a board of scientists and experts to review S&T developments relevant to the BTWC. Much work was already done during the last review cycle towards the establishment of an S&T Mechanism, and we generally believe the discussion has been heading into a positive direction. The currently discussed set-up, with a Science and Technology Review Group, a Science and Technology Reporting Committee and temporary working groups is in our view a promising way to provide specific subject-matter advice on scientific and technological developments relevant to the Convention to States Parties.

Composition of the Reporting Committee
The Netherlands has consistently emphasized that an S&T Mechanism should be based on core principles including inclusivity, effectiveness and independence. Therefore, our delegation wants to underline that the composition of the S&T Reporting Committee should reflect regional diversity and its members should rotate on a periodic basis. Regional diversity should be based on geographic diversity rather than on political groups. To ensure that it can provide advice of the highest quality and reliability, members should have demonstrated expertise and experience. Moreover, it is important that all relevant scientific disciplines are represented so that all relevant aspects of a problem are considered. Finally, it is important to underline that members of the standing bodies serve in their individual capacities, and that we ensure a certain rotational dynamic to ensure fresh perspectives as well as gender balance.  

Role of the Meeting of States Parties
On the role of the annual Meeting of States Parties (MSP), we consider it important that it can deliberate and assign specific topics for the Advisory Mechanism to address, within the broader agenda which will be decided by the Review Conference. And although the Review Conference ultimately takes decisions, the review cycle is too lengthy to leave the MSP powerless: the MSP should therefore also be able to take actions on budgetary, financial and organizational matters related to the S&T Mechanism.

Reporting Powers for the S&T Reporting Committee
In our view, good science includes incorporating a variety of views. Therefore, we can support the idea that the Review Group produces a broad annual review of the topics that were studied, including different and minority views. This would help foster a broad and comprehensive understanding of the matters at hand which in our view would also help safeguard the scientific independence of individual experts. 

Chair,

To conclude, let me express my gratitude for the opportunity to raise some points on this important topic. We have come a long way on incorporating Science and Technology into the Convention and the Netherlands stands ready to support the final push towards the adoption of the Mechanism. 
Thank you.