More than 200 international experts will gather in Seoul for a U.N. conference aiming to set bioethical standards in step with fast developing life science and technologies.

The 20th annual UNESCO International Bioethics Committee will open Wednesday for a three-day run to discuss equal access, human rights and other various issues arising from biotechnological and medical advances.

The committee launched in 1993 will announce a draft report on the principles of non-discrimination and non-stigmatization during the conference jointly organized by the Korean government.

The meeting is expected to flesh out its 2005 declaration that “no individual or group should be discriminated against or stigmatized on any grounds in violation of human dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

A special session will be devoted to experiences, policies and challenges in the Asia-Pacific, fast emerging as one of the centers of bioscience research and industries.

By Suk Gee-hyun (monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)