July 27, 2010
Commission Chair Amy Gutmann delivered the plenary address at the Global Summit of National Bioethics Advisory Bodies.
Dr. Gutmann discussed the Commission's investigation into synthetic biology and explained the value of a deliberate, substantive approach to understanding issues of global importance:
"Coming to grips with the implications of cutting-edge bio-technological advancements requires … sustained attention; it requires a respect for the expertise of others and the sensibilities of multiple perspectives, and it requires an appreciation of complexity. Only then do we succeed in address complex and controversial issues in meaningful and effective ways."
The Global Summit of National Bioethics Advisory Bodies was held on July 26 and 27 in Singapore. Representatives from 33 countries attended the summit.
