Mr. Johnston also announced that the OECD will consult a broad cross-section of NGOs and other experts including environment groups, farmers'organisations, and businesses. This consultation, he said, is indicative of the OECD's efforts to ensure that the framework for addressing the issue of biotechnology will meet the tests of transparency, inclusiveness, analytical soundness, objectivity and credibility. May 1999 21. Biotechnology offers great opportunities but also represents significant challenges and has given rise to public debate on its implications. Ministers stressed the importance of safeguarding human health and the environment while enabling people to enjoy the benefits that flow from advances in biotechnology.
Scientific research is essential to the process.
The OECD should continue to examine the various dimensions of this issue, including in the discussion at the forthcoming CSTP ministerial and in other fora. Conclusions of the Ministerial level meeting of the Committee on Science and Technology Policy, June 1999 9. Rapid scientific and technological development in the life sciences call for approaches to policy design that involve greater interaction between the various stakeholders without sacrificing the basic principles of scientific validation. The definition of such approaches by governments greatly benefits from enhanced international co-operation. In this context, Ministers noted the statement on biotechnology by the OECD Council Meeting at Ministerial level on 26-27 May 1999.