Long-term cooperation helps the Philippines and the wider region be better prepared for the next pandemic, among other CBRN emergencies

In a globalised world, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) events and incidents, ranging from COVID-19 to deliberate acts of CBRN terrorism, do not respect borders – a threat to one country is a threat to all countries. In this environment, the need for regional and international cooperation to address CBRN emergencies has never been more important.

Recognizing this fact, the European Union CBRN Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative EU CBRN CoE, jointly implemented by the EU and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), seeks to promote peace, stability and conflict prevention by strengthening all-hazards security governance in Partner Countries of the EU following a voluntary and demand-driven approach.

At the heart of the Initiative, CBRN CoE Regional Secretariats, located in eight regions of the world, unite 64 Partner Countries in their shared commitment to prevent, detect and respond to CBRN emergencies, whether natural, accidental or criminal in origin. In the ASEAN region, the CBRN CoE Regional Secretariat for Southeast Asia connects Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam in this common goal.

On 23 March 2023, the CBRN CoE Regional Secretariat for Southeast Asia, hosted by the Government of the Philippines, celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Marking this important occasion, senior representatives from the Philippine Government, members of the Philippine CBRN National Team, National Focal Points representing 10 Partner Countries from across the ASEAN region, and officials from the EU and the UN gathered to celebrate 10 years of successful cooperation.

The event revisited the history and milestones of the CBRN CoE Regional Secretariat for Southeast Asia, showcased CBRN risk mitigation achievements of Partner Countries in the region, and featured a Simulation Exercise (SimEx) highlighting how interagency collaboration in the Philippines has strengthened the country’s capacity to respond to CBRN emergencies.

The 10-year anniversary of the CBRN CoE Regional Secretariat for Southeast Asia celebrated the shared commitment of Partner Countries across the ASEAN region, the EU and the UN to work together towards a safer and more secure world.

For more information on how the EU CBRN CoE is supporting the strengthening of CBRN risk mitigation in Southeast Asia, please see the Southeast Asia Regional Secretariat page