GenØk’s activities are considered by the authorities as an important contribution to Norway’s fulfillment of the obligations of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.  Since 2003 GenØk has delivered scientifically based advice, comprehensive courses, workshops and conferences, reports as well as training and education in cooperation with international partners.  GenØk works both nationally and internationally, and specifically aims to offer developing countries training and advice related to risk assessments of genetically modified organisms.

The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), FK Norway (Fredskorpset) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been GenØk’s most important partners in biosafety capacity building projects in developing countries. GenØk has also had a long-term collaboration with Third World Network and an extensive network of international partners.