The International Council for the Life Sciences (ICLS) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to enhancing global biological security and safety and reducing the risks of the misuse of the life sciences. Founded in December 2005, the membership-based ICLS provides a forum for the sustained engagement of the life sciences community and governments on a global basis. The ICLS operates internationally and works cooperatively to build networks to help reduce biological risks. The ICLS has identified priority areas for enhancing biosafety and biosecurity. International best practices and standards, Curricula for biosecurity and biosafety, Shared language and common methodology for assessing biological risks regardless of origin, Specialized briefings for policy officials on the full spectrum of risks, and Building local and global networks of life scientists and policymakers. Ongoing activities and partnerships are taking place in: -Middle East and North Africa -Central Asia -South Asia -East Asia -Russia