A virtual workshop was held to ascertain risks connected with handling and disposal of chemi
cal and biological substances, especially in Pakistan’s health sector, which is even more crucial during the pandemic.
The workshop was conducted under the European Union Chemical, Biological, Radiologi
cal and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mi
tigations Centres of Excellence initia
tive. It was attended by representatives and from various government ministries and the National Institute of Health.
The EU CBRN Risk Mi
tigation Centres of Excellence Initiative was launched in 2010 by the European Union and provides a platform for voluntary regional cooperation o
n all CBRN-related hazard issues. The aim of the Centres of Excellence Initiative is to help partner countries mitigate risks and build a culture of safety, security and preparedness. EU support is provided to implement a wide range of CBRN Risk Mi
tigation activities including needs and risk assessments, nationa
l and regional action plans and trainings i
n all 62 Partner Countries.
At the opening session, EU Ambassador to Pakistan Androulla Kaminara, said:
“Cooperation is key to addressing and mi
tigating CBRN risks. These workshops offer the possibility to have an open and substantial discussion on risk mi
tigation. The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre has developed tools for this purpose including the Needs Assessment Questionnaire, being discussed today, which could contribute to a wider national strategy. Pakistan is committed to strengthening prevention, mi
tigation and response to Chemi
cal and Biological risks and the EU stands available to support Pakistan throughout the whole process.”
In the Central Asia region of the CoE, several countries have already completed the CBRN National Action Plans including Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, while others are underway.
Pakistan has been involved in seven Centre of Excellence projects implemented in the Central Asia region, on topics including strengthening Public Health Laboratories for mi
tigating risks linked to climate change, addressing chemi
cal and biological waste management and preparedness and response to mass gatherings and other health threats.
Promoting EU-Pakistan cooperation in science, technology and innovation is also a priority under the EU-Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan to further enhance engagement between both sides. This includes through knowledge sharing, development of links between research institutions and exchange of information on opportunities for research cooperation.
The EU Chemical, Biological, Radiologi
cal and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mi
tigation Centres of Excellence (CoE) Initiative is funded and implemented by the European Union through the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI), the EU’s main international cooperation instrument supporting security initiatives and peace-building activities in Partner Countries. The Initiative is led by the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI), in close coordination with the European External Action Service (EEAS).
