Extraordinary Session of the

International Bioethics Committee

(IBC)

Towards a declaration
on universal norms
on bioethics

Paris, 27-29 April 2004

UNESCO House – Room II (Fontenoy)
______________________________

(SHS-2004/DECLAR.BIOETHIQUE CIB/5)
Introduction
At its 32nd session in October 2003, the General Conference of UNESCO considered
that it was “opportune and desirable to set universal standards in the field of bioethics with
due regard for human dignity and human rights and freedoms, in the spirit of cultural
pluralism inherent in bioethics” and invited the Director-General “to continue
preparatory work on a declaration on universal norms on bioethics…” (32 C/Res. 24).
The Director-General has therefore entrusted the International Bioethics Committee
(IBC) – which carried out the preliminary studies on the possibility of elaborating a
universal instrument on bioethics in 2002-2003 – with the first steps of the elaboration of
the declaration.
Obviously only the participation of all the stakeholders concerned will ensure that
the full spectrum of perceptions of ethical and legal issues raised by advances in life
sciences are taken into account. Wide-ranging consultations and hearings will
therefore be held from the very beginning of the elaboration of the declaration.

The aim of the Extraordinary Session

The Extraordinary Session of IBC on “Towards a Declaration on Universal Norms on
Bioethics” is an important step within the consultation process that UNESCO is
carrying out.
The aim of this extraordinary session is to conduct hearings with concerned
stakeholders starting with a debate on the scope and structure of the future
declaration. This will allow IBC to have a complete overview of all convergent and
divergent views when drafting the first outline of the future declaration.

How the Session will be organized

The programme of the Extraordinary Session includes hearings with selected
representatives of intergovernmental organizations (including the United Nations
system), international non-governmental organizations and national bioethics
committees. Each presentation will be followed by questions/answers with the
members of IBC.
As customary the session is open to the public. However, in principle only the group
concerned by the hearings (IGOs or NGOs, etc.) will be allowed to participate in the
discussion (at the discretion of the Chairperson of the meeting).
All organizations and institutions are invited to send a written contribution before 30
March 2004 (preferably by e-mail: s.colombo@unesco.org). Whilst, due to the time
constraints, it will not be possible for everyone to make an oral presentation during
the extraordinary session, participants could be invited by IBC to clarify the views
expressed in their written contribution. In any event all contributions will be fully
analysed by IBC and will most certainly enhance the debate and reflection during the
meeting.
 Practical Information
DATE AND VENUE
Date: 27 to 29 April 2004
Venue: UNESCO House (Room II - Fontenoy Building,)
Entrance: 7 place de Fontenoy, Paris 7
Metro station: Ségur or Cambronne

REGISTRATION OF PARTICIPANTS AND RECEPTION SERVICE

Because of increased security measures presently in force at UNESCO, only those participants
who have returned the confirmation form beforehand will be granted access to UNESCO
buildings.
Registration of participants: Tuesday 27 April 2004 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (near Room II
– Monaco counter)
Upon registration, participants will receive a complete set of documents, a name badge and
any other relevant documentation. They are invited to wear their badges throughout the
duration of the meeting to facilitate identification and contacts with other participants and
members of the Secretariat.

OPENING CEREMONY AND WORKING HOURS

The opening ceremony will take place on Tuesday 27 April 2004 at 10:00 a.m. Participants
are requested to be seated by 9:50 a.m. at the latest.
Working hours will normally be the following:
Morning : from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
Afternoon : from 3.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.

WORKING LANGUAGES
The working languages of the Session will be English and French. Simultaneous
interpretation will be provided in these two languages.

WORKING DOCUMENTS
As far as possible, the working documents will be available before the meeting on Internet at
the following address: www.unesco.org/bioethics. All other documents will be distributed at the
time of registration and will be available in the working languages of the Session (English and
French).
Participants are reminded that the Secretariat will not be able to type, translate or reproduce
documents other than those that have a direct bearing on the Extraordinary Session of IBC. If
participants wish to distribute copies of their intervention, they are requested to bring
sufficient typed copies with them.
In accordance with the Rules of IBC, the Secretariat alone is authorized to distribute
documents during the Session.

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ON-SITE FACILITIES
Card-operated telephone booths can be found close to Room II. There is also a travel agency,
bank, medical centre and newspaper stand at the meeting venue.
A restaurant and two cafeterias are located within UNESCO House. There are a number of
restaurants and cafés within walking distance of UNESCO.

ENTRY FORMALITIES FOR FRANCE

For citizens of the European Union, a valid passport or identity card is required to enter
French territory. For citizens of other countries please contact your local French Embassy or
Consulate for detailed information.

ARRIVAL
Participants travelling by air can reach the city by:
Taxi: from Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport (40–50€) and from Orly Airport (30–40€)
Shuttle bus: from Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport (10€) and from Orly Airport (7.50€)
Train (RER): (around 7.50€)
Participants are advised to consult their travel agency or airline for all information concerning
customs regulations on entering France.

CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE

The national currency is the Euro (€). In March 2004 one US dollar was equal to 0.77€. (This
rate is subject to fluctuation and may be modified without prior warning.)

CLIMATE AND CLOTHING

The average temperature in Paris in April is 12°C/54°F. The weather at this time of the year is
normally cool and pleasant. Suggested dress for all social functions: informal.

ELECTRICITY
The electrical current in France is 220V.

TRANSPORT
All hotels listed are within the vicinity of UNESCO House. Information concerning transport
may be obtained from hotel reception desks.

ACCOMMODATION
Herebelow a selection of hotels close to UNESCO House. Participants are invited to contact
the hotel of their choice directly. Prices are quoted in Euros and fluctuations are possible. In
order to benefit from a preferential rate, if applicable, the reference IBC-UNESCO should be
given. Under no condition can the Secretariat be responsible for hotel reservations.

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 HOTEL CATEGORY DAILY RATE
Single Double
Hotel Hilton
Standard 270€ Standard 270€
18 avenue de Suffren
Executive 350€ Executive 350€
75015 Paris
de Luxe 310€ de Luxe 310€
Tel.: + 33 1 44 38 56 00
Breakfast 20€ - 28€ Breakfast 20€ - 28€
Fax: + 33 1 44 38 56 60
Hotel Duquesne Eiffel
23 avenue Duquesne from 105€ to 128€ from 122€ to 144€
75007 Paris (breakfast & taxes included) (breakfast & taxes included)
Tel.: + 33 1 44 42 09 09
Fax: + 33 1 44 42 09 08
Hotel Aberotel
24 rue Blomet 91€ 110€
75015 Paris (breakfast & taxes (breakfast & taxes included)
Tel.: + 33 1 40 61 70 50 included)
Fax: + 33 1 40 61 08 31
Hotel IBIS from Monday to Thursday
2 rue Cambronne Single or Double 89€
75015 Paris from Friday to Sunday
Tel.: + 33 1 40 61 21 21 Single or Double 75 €
Fax: + 33 1 40 61 22 99
E-mail: h1400-gr@accor-hotels.com Breakfast 6€

Hotel Grenelle
140-142 boulevard de Grenelle Standard 83€ Standard 100€
75015 Paris Superior 104€ Superior 151€
Tel.: + 33 1 45 75 26 54 / + 33 1 45 79 23 Breakfast 11€ Breakfast 11€
97
Fax: + 33 1 45 77 73 94
E-mail: contacthotelgrenelle.com
Hotel Tourisme
66 avenue de la Motte Piquet 66€ 80€
75015 Paris (breakfast & taxes included) (breakfast & taxes included)
Tel.: + 33 1 47 34 28 01
Fax: + 33 1 47 83 66 54

Secretariat:

Mrs Sabina Colombo

Division of the Ethics of Science and Technology
UNESCO
1, rue Miollis
75732 Paris Cedex 15 - France
Telephone: + 33 1 45 68 39 39
Fax: + 33 1 45 68 55 15
E-mail: l.treguer@unesco.org

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