CONCEPT NOTE
BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
The development of Global Bioethics has historically been shaped by the need to establish a common framework capable of safeguarding human dignity in contexts of scientific research and medical advancement. In recent decades, the rapid progress of biomedicine and technology has brought unprecedented possibilities for improving human health, while simultaneously raising fundamental ethical dilemmas that transcend national borders. In accordance with international human rights law, it has become essential to formulate clear guidelines aimed at protecting research subjects, particularly vulnerable populations.
The rationale for establishing this Committee is grounded in the absence of a standardized and globally applicable ethical oversight framework capable of adapting to diverse cultural, social, and economic realities.
Contemporary challenges, including artificial intelligence, structural inequality, forced migration, climate change, food systems, emerging technologies, and global governance dilemmas, require interdisciplinary approaches capable of addressing the ethical tensions that arise in contexts of growing global interdependence. This concept note establishes the conceptual and methodological foundations for the development of structured spaces for ethical deliberation, interdisciplinary dialogue, and the analysis of complex dilemmas from the perspective of Global Bioethics, thereby contributing to more transparent, reasoned, and ethically grounded responses to contemporary global challenges.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Research and technical documents developed by the committee's experts.
Methodological Framework
The methodological framework establishes the conceptual basis, principles, and analytical phases developed by the International Committee on Global Bioethics (ICGB). It provides a structured approach for the rigorous analysis of complex dilemmas in Global Bioethics, ensuring transparent, reasoned, and interdisciplinary deliberation processes oriented toward human dignity, global justice, and sustainability.
You can download the Methodological Framework to explore in greater detail the conceptual framework, principles, and analytical phases developed by the International Committee on Global Bioethics (ICGB).
Procedure of Deliberative Sessions
International Committee on Global Bioethics (ICGB)
May 18, 2026
The deliberative sessions of the International Committee on Global Bioethics (ICGB) constitute interdisciplinary spaces for the structured analysis of contemporary ethical dilemmas. Through a methodology grounded in rational deliberation, the balancing of principles, and the plural exchange of perspectives, these sessions seek to foster transparent processes of ethical reflection on complex global challenges. The procedure incorporates the participation of coordinators, permanent members of the Technical Committee, invited experts, and external contributions through separate statements, thereby promoting open, reasoned, and interdisciplinary dialogue. The outcomes of each session are subsequently incorporated into compilatory documents and resolutions aimed at strengthening public and academic analysis of global ethical challenges.
Available in PDF format
Technical Committee
The Technical Committee of the International Committee on Global Bioethics (ICGB) is composed of permanent members and invited experts who contribute their specialized knowledge to the deliberative process. The Committee's work is structured around thematic areas that address contemporary ethical challenges in global bioethics. Through collaborative work and interdisciplinary dialogue, the Technical Committee develops analyses, recommendations, and position papers that inform the Committee's deliberations and contribute to strengthening ethical reflection on global challenges.
You can download the document to learn more about the composition, functions, and working methodology of the Technical Committee.