SE Asia strengthens chemical, biological, and nuclear risk mitigation

The European Union Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative (EU CBRN CoE) is holding its 24th National Focal Points Regional Strategic Coordination Meeting for Southeast Asia in Vientiane from April 28-30.
The meeting brings together national representatives and experts from Southeast Asian partner countries to share progress on CBRN risk mitigation efforts, assess ongoing EU-supported initiatives, and explore regional cooperation opportunities.

National representatives and experts from SE Asian partner countries attend a coordination meeting in Vientiane.

The gathering is supported by the European Union and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI).
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Laos’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Maythong Thammavongsa; Ambassador of the European Union to Laos, Mr  Mark Gallagher; and Undersecretary Florece Bernardo Jr., Head of the Secretariat for the EU CBRN CoE in Southeast Asia.
Mr Maythong said “The objective of this meeting is to provide updates on the Regional Secretariat’s and partner countries’ latest activities, exchange ideas on potential future regional projects, and discuss progress on the national implementation of CBRN National Action Plans.”
“Additionally, we will have the opportunity to learn from international and regional experts, who will share insights into new regional projects. We will also explore potential areas for further cooperation and various assistance programmes under the EU CBRN CoE projects.”
Laos has benefited from projects implemented under the EU CBRN CoE in the past.
These include the Sound Management of Chemicals and Their Associated Wastes in Southeast Asia (2017-2023); On-Site Technical Support to the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence Regional Secretariats (2018-2024); Export Control Programme for Dual-Use Goods in Southeast Asia (2021-2024); and Enhanced Biosecurity in Southeast Asia (2019-2025).
Currently, Laos is implementing activities under a project titled On-Site Technical Assistance to the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence Regional Secretariats (2023-2026).
Looking ahead, Laos will share in new projects under the EU CBRN CoE initiative, such as Strengthening CBRN Medical Emergency Preparedness and Response in Southeast Asia (2025-2027); and CBRN Tabletop and Field Exercises, Simulations, and Training to Mitigate Risks (2025-2027).
Participants presented updates on their respective countries’ activities and achievements related to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear risk reduction, as well as plans for 2025.
The meeting also highlighted continued progress in implementing CBRN National Action Plans and discussed strategic priorities for capacity building.
A key focus of the meeting is a proposal to develop a Regional Action Plan—an initiative aimed at enhancing regional collaboration on shared chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear challenges, including emerging threats, emergency preparedness, and crisis communication.
In commemoration of the EU CBRN CoE’s 15th anniversary, attendees reflected on over a decade of successful collaboration since the programme’s inception in 2010.
Discussions underscored the importance of fostering deeper regional and international partnerships to effectively prevent, detect, and respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents, whether they are deliberate, accidental, or natural.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
 (Latest Update April 29, 2025)